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April 25, 2012updated 14 Sep 2012 3:44pm

Twitter arrests imminent over naming Evans rape victim

By Press Gazette

The police force investigating Twitter users who named the rape victim of Sheffield United and Wales striker Ched Evans have confirmed that arrests are imminent in the case.

While no one has yet been questioned, a spokesperson for the force said: "North Wales Police has confirmed that arrests will be made as part of its investigation following comments made on social media sites identifying the victim in the Ched Evans rape case.

"The Force is reminding people that the law gives rape victims and other victims of serious sexual offences, anonymity for life and that if anyone publishes a victim's identity they will be subject to investigation and possible criminal proceedings."

Evans, 23, was jailed for five years on Friday after being found guilty of rape when the jury in the trial concluded the 19-year-old victim had been too drunk to give her consent.

Victims of rape have lifelong anonymity under the Sexual Offence Act but over the weekend the name of Evans's victim was reportedly one of the most popular terms on the British version of the social networking site.

Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard added: "North Wales Police will seek to ensure that the legal anonymity of victims in rape cases under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, is protected and those who commit offences in this regard will be brought before the criminal justice system.

"We wish to reassure victims of serious sexual offences of our continuing determination to support them."

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It emerged yesterday that Sky News inadvertently showed a Twitter feed naming the victim during a news report on the story and police have reportedly launched an investigation into the broadcaster as part of its current inquiry.

Sky News has since apologised for the slip-up but insisted that if viewers were watching the broadcast in real time they would not have noticed.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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