Former Rugby League Player Keven Appo Flees UK After Rape Charge

[Social Media]

 

Keven Appo, a rugby league forward from Papua New Guinea and former Bradford Bulls player, has fled the United Kingdom after being charged with rape, sexual assault, and two counts of assault. The 25-year-old, residing in Halifax, West Yorkshire, failed to appear at Bradford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, leading magistrates to issue a warrant for his arrest without bail.  

 

The court heard that Appo boarded a flight from Manchester to Dubai on November 26, just hours after being charged and released on conditional bail. Prosecutor Fiona Newcombe revealed, “He has fled the country within five hours of being charged.” From Dubai, Appo traveled to Papua New Guinea, where extradition efforts are now underway to bring him back to face the charges.  

 

The charges stem from an investigation led by Calderdale District Adult Protection Team following a report made in April 2024. West Yorkshire police confirmed the investigation and have sought international cooperation to apprehend Appo. The UK maintains a bilateral extradition treaty with Papua New Guinea, which could facilitate his return to face legal proceedings.  

 

Appo’s rugby career has seen him represent Papua New Guinea on several occasions, including his international debut in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup against Tonga. He played a significant role in helping the Kumuls reach the quarterfinals of the tournament. His most recent appearance for the national team was in October 2023 during the Pacific Championships in Port Moresby, where Papua New Guinea faced Fiji.  

 

Domestically, Appo joined the Bradford Bulls in 2023, making 61 appearances for the club. He signed a two-year contract extension in August last year and was a prominent figure on the team, earning the nickname “King Kev” from fans and media. However, the club announced the termination of his contract following the charges.  

 

A club spokesman stated, “Following today’s West Yorkshire police statement, the Bradford Bulls have cancelled Keven Appo’s playing contract. Given the circumstances, the club is duty bound to make no further comment at this stage. The search for a suitable, quality replacement is underway.”  

Bayley Liu, a player for the Sheffield Eagles since 2022, has been named as Appo’s replacement in the team.  

 

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has added an additional charge against Appo for failing to surrender to police or court bail at the appointed time. A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire police confirmed the ongoing efforts to locate him, stating, “We are aware that magistrates have issued an arrest warrant for a 25-year-old man from Halifax who was due to appear in court today charged with rape, sexual assault, and assault.”  

 

Based on a report by The Times 2024-01-08

 

 

[James105]

What an idiot.  Why would an ethnic minority rapist leave the most tolerant country for ethnic minority rapists in the world?  I can understand the need to escape the UK for proper crimes such as posting hurty words on social media, but not for merely raping someone. 

[JonnyF]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

Prosecutor Fiona Newcombe revealed, “He has fled the country within five hours of being charged.” From Dubai, Appo traveled to Papua New Guinea, where extradition efforts are now underway to bring him back to face the charges.  

 

I'd leave him there. If he is brought back he will get a light sentence and then we'll have years of legal wrangling trying to get him out of the country again, with human rights lawyers making a fortune out of it and taxpayers footing the bill.

 

Besides, he would take up a cell that could be properly used for people being "grossly offensive" on social media. 

[Chomper Higgot]

He’ll be back:

 

https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/1975/en/14739

[Watawattana]

How come he was able to exit the UK by getting on a flight?  Surely his passport should have been retained or a flag put on it??

[Red Forever]

Wow, a win double!

The first 2 posts managed to swerve the actual topic and weave their petty grievances about Farridge rioters and online inciters of violence against terrified humans being brought to justice, Mwaa…..

As the UK and PNG have signed an extradition treaty there should be no problem in returning this guy to face a trial. 
Meanwhile he’s innocent until proven guilty.

Resident racist AN posters, find a less flimsy post on which to fly your flag.

[honcho]

if he identifies as a pakastani muslim he should get let off like the thousands of guilty pakastani rapists free to abuse children in the uk!!!