Police have welcomed the conviction of a former Worcestershire County Cricketer.

Alex Hepburn, 23, was found guilty by the jury on Friday following a four-day trial at Worcester Crown Court.

He was not found guilty on a second count.

Hepburn, of Portland Street, Worcester, is due to be sentenced on 30 April.

The incident took place in a city centre flat on April 1, 2017 following a night out in Worcester with friends.

The trial heard the woman wrongly thought she was having sex with Hepburn’s then county team-mate, Oswestry-born Joe Clarke, at the players’ flat in Portland Street, Worcester.

She told jurors she had earlier had consensual sex with Mr Clarke.

Jurors were told Mr Clarke left his bedroom to be sick in a bathroom, where he passed out, leaving the woman asleep on a mattress in his room.

Hepburn told jurors he had drunk up to 20 bottles of beer before the woman rolled over in bed, kissed him, and instigated what he believed was consensual sex.

The court heard the investigation was launched after a member of the public called the police.

Following the conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wall said: "We welcome the conviction and I hope it will offer some comfort to the victim, who has shown great courage and strength in coming forward in reporting this to us, throughout the investigation and in giving evidence in court.

"At the time of the offence Hepburn was in a position of trust and power as a professional sportsman for local team Worcestershire County Cricket Club and I hope this conviction will provide reassurance to other victims of sexual offences, giving them the confidence that they will be believed and listened to by specially trained officers and that we will do everything to bring offenders to justice."

"If you are a victim of a sexual offence you can report it to police on 101. In an emergency dial 999."

If you do not feel comfortable speaking to officers you can contact a referral centre which specialises in helping victims of rape and sexual assault - including providing medical care and counselling. For information and details on how to contact or refer please visit the Get Help page of the Stop Rape Now website stoprapenow.co.uk

Anyone who is a victim of any sexual assault who feels they may need support, or may not want to contact the police West Mercia's Victim Advice Line is a free, independent and confidential support service. People can call 0800 952 3000 or visit www.victimadviceline.org.uk