Ched Evans overwhelmed after being cleared of rape charges

Ched Evans leaves Cardiff Crown Court with partner Natasha Massey after being found not guilty of rape yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

London: Wales international footballer Ched Evans has said he is "overwhelmed with relief" after being acquitted of rape following a retrial.

The Chesterfield striker, 27, was originally convicted of raping a 19-year-old woman in a Premier Inn near Rhyl, North Wales, in May 2011. He served half of a five-year prison sentence before being released but there was a public outcry when he attempted to return to professional football.

Evans wept and hugged his fiancee Natasha Massey, who has stood by him throughout his ordeal, as he left the dock in court room five.