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Essex's Westfield charged with fraud
Source: Agencies |
September 17, 2010, Friday
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FORMER Essex cricketer Mervyn Westfield was charged yesterday with conspiracy to defraud following claims he deliberately played poorly in a county match last year.
Westfield was accused by Crown Prosecution Service investigators of acting dishonestly during a match between Essex and Durham in September 2009. He is alleged to have agreed to ensure a certain number of runs were scored off the first over of his bowling.
Antony Swift, of the CPS, said the 22-year-old Westfield, who has been released on bail, would appear at City of London Magistrates' Court next Thursday to answer charges.
Westfield was arrested by Essex police in May on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud following an investigation. Essex and Pakistan legspinner Danish Kaneria was also arrested and questioned but police said last week that he would face no further action.
"There is sufficient evidence to prosecute Mr Westfield and it is in the public interest to do so," Swift said.
The offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
In a statement, Essex said it was "saddened" to hear that Westfield has been charged.
The county side added that a decision had been taken some weeks ago not to renew his contract, which expires at the end of this month.
Cricket is facing a crisis over allegations of spot-fixing of incidents in the international game.
The International Cricket Council this month suspended Pakistan's Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir for their alleged involvement in fixing no-balls during a test match against England at Lord's last month.
Yesterday, New Zealand umpire Tony Hill said he and colleague Billy Bowden had thought Pakistan bowlers were deliberately bowling no-balls but didn't suspect a betting motive.
Westfield was accused by Crown Prosecution Service investigators of acting dishonestly during a match between Essex and Durham in September 2009. He is alleged to have agreed to ensure a certain number of runs were scored off the first over of his bowling.
Antony Swift, of the CPS, said the 22-year-old Westfield, who has been released on bail, would appear at City of London Magistrates' Court next Thursday to answer charges.
Westfield was arrested by Essex police in May on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud following an investigation. Essex and Pakistan legspinner Danish Kaneria was also arrested and questioned but police said last week that he would face no further action.
"There is sufficient evidence to prosecute Mr Westfield and it is in the public interest to do so," Swift said.
The offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
In a statement, Essex said it was "saddened" to hear that Westfield has been charged.
The county side added that a decision had been taken some weeks ago not to renew his contract, which expires at the end of this month.
Cricket is facing a crisis over allegations of spot-fixing of incidents in the international game.
The International Cricket Council this month suspended Pakistan's Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir for their alleged involvement in fixing no-balls during a test match against England at Lord's last month.
Yesterday, New Zealand umpire Tony Hill said he and colleague Billy Bowden had thought Pakistan bowlers were deliberately bowling no-balls but didn't suspect a betting motive.
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