Cricketer's rape trial delayed to 2028 due to court backlog
Cricketer's rape trial delayed to 2028 due to backlog

Cricketer Robin Das, accused of rape in south London, will not stand trial until January 2028 – nearly four years after the alleged offence – as a judge warned criminal courts are “overwhelmed” by backlogs.

Trial date set for January 2028

Das, 24, is accused of raping a woman twice in Brixton, south London, in March 2024. At Inner London Crown Court on Friday, Judge Freya Newbery set a trial date of January 10, 2028, telling the court the criminal justice system was struggling to cope with the volume of cases.

“I’m afraid we are all just really under the cosh at the moment,” she said. “We are overwhelmed with new cases and we can’t fit our custody cases within the time limits.”

Player suspended by Essex

The right-handed batter, who has been suspended by Essex while proceedings are ongoing, appeared in court wearing a navy suit, white shirt and dark tie. He spoke only to confirm his identity and acknowledge the next court date.

The player, who made his Essex debut in 2020 aged 18, was granted conditional bail.

Club statement

In a previous statement, Essex County Cricket Club said: “The club has remained in contact with the ECB, PCA, the Cricket Regulator and the player with regard to the matter, which included an immediate and ongoing suspension. The club will continue to follow all appropriate legal processes and guidance.”