Former Bradford Bulls forward Keven Appo has fled the country after being charged with rape, sexual assault, and two counts of assault. The West Yorkshire club sacked the player after the charges came to light last week, with the player fleeing to his homeland of Papua New Guinea.

A court has heard that Appo, 25, was granted conditional bail back in November and boarded a flight from Manchester to Dubai within five hours of said bail. He then flew to PNG via a connecting flight. Appo was due to appear at Bradford Magistrates Court on Monday 6 January, with his exit from the country now coming to light.

The Bulls swiftly terminated the forward's contract last week after a statement made by West Yorkshire Police. "Following today’s West Yorkshire Police statement, the Bradford Bulls have cancelled Keven Appo’s playing contract," they wrote last Friday. "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."

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West Yorkshire Police had previously written: "Keven Appo, aged 25 of Halifax, has been charged with rape, sexual assault on a female, and two counts of assault. He has been bailed and is due to appear at Bradford Magistrates Court on Monday 6 January 2025. The charges relate to an investigation by Calderdale District Adult Protection Team following a report made in April 2024."

It has now been reported that Appo did not attend court this Monday and actually fled the country back in November when first granted conditional bail. Appo’s bail was confirmed at 4pm, and by 8:40pm, he had boarded a flight to Dubai. Prosecutor Fiona Newcombe told Bradford Magistrates Court that "an extradition process was now underway to return Mr. Appo to the United Kingdom to face the charges against him."

Appo signed for Bradford ahead of the 2023 season and made 61 appearances for the club. He had previously played for Papua New Guinea in the Queensland Cup and is a three-time Papua New Guinea international.

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