Williams Kokolo appears in court charged with three counts of rape in Birmingham

A League One football star has been banned from leaving the UK after he appeared in court charged with three counts of rape.

Williams Kokolo, 22, denied all the charges when he appeared at Birmingham Crown Court.

All three offences are alleged to have been committed against one woman in the Birmingham area on the same day, February 13, this year. The Burton Albion defender had his application to be allowed to travel to Paris to attend his sister’s wedding in November refused by a judge.

Kokolo, who wore a navy suit, white shirt and black tie, was granted conditional bail and ordered to surrender his passport. He had a preliminary trial date set for June 5, 2023 with his next court appearance scheduled for March 3 next year.

French-born Kokolo, who signed for Burton from Middlesbrough in January, spoke only to confirm his name and pleas during the 19-minute hearing.

His Honour Judge Paul Farrer KC, said: “Williams Kokolo would you stand up please.

“I have fixed your trial for the 5th of June next year, although enquiries will be made behind the scenes to find if it will be possible to take place some earlier time. You will be back before the court on the 3rd March next year. You’ve been on bail and I enlarge your bail on the following terms. You must not leave the United Kingdom and your passport must be surrendered and you must not apply for travel documents.

“If you move permanent address you must inform your solicitors. If you breach any of those conditions you will be arrested.”

Kokolo joined Burton Albion on January 11 this year during the winter transfer window and he last featured for them during a 4-3 defeat to Cambridge in August.

Club statement

A club statement said: “Burton Albion is fully aware of the charges that have been made against one of our players and the club has spoken to the player and his legal representatives.

“As this is an ongoing legal process, the club is unable to make any further comment until legal proceedings are concluded.”

Kokolo was in the youth ranks at Monaco before moving to Championship side Sunderland. He then joined Middlesbrough, playing in the side’s FA Cup third round away win at Mansfield Town in January this year.

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