Rugby international, 20, is CLEARED of three sex attacks on Durham uni student after giving 'heartfelt apology' during trial

Christopher Twigg, 20, who played for the Thai rugby team, was accused of sexually assaulting the Durham student while wearing a tutu after a uni night out.

But in a legal twist, he was given the option to make amends as his trial was due to begin without admitting his guilt.

Twigg, his alleged victim and lawyers in the case held a meeting in which he issued a "heartfelt apology" seen as enough to "meet the public interest".

Judge Jonathan Carroll said he had "allowed horse play to elevate itself" after Twigg was accused of drunkenly attacking the girl.

The rugby star was accused of first assaulting the girl after he began a sport, exercise and physical activities course at Durham University, in October and November 2017.

You were [drunk] and have allowed horseplay to elevate itself. At the very least it was downright rude and a quite intimidating behaviour which had a very significant impact on your victim.

He also allegedly attacked her on November 18 that year while drunk after a rugby social night out.

Twigg was suspended from university when the allegations were made and took a job at his dad's company in Cheshire.

The judge told him his behaviour was "downright rude and quite intimidating" as well as "dreadful" but he was still able to walk free.

Jurors had been sworn in at Durham Crown Court when Twigg's defence counsel, Sarah Forshaw, QC, raised concerns about disclosure of evidence.

'HEARTFELT APOLOGY'

After the meeting, prosecutor Chris Baker told the court: "Upon deliberation and consultation with the complainant a view was taken that a heartfelt apology to her would meet the public interest in this case.

"This has now taken place and she was content with the apology that she received.

"Myself, defence counsel and the officer overseeing this case were present and we were all agreed that it was a heartfelt apology for some dreadful behaviour that took place that night.

"The Crown's view is that we will now offer no evidence in the case."

The jury returned formal not guilty verdicts to all three charges on the judge's direction.

'SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON VICTIM'

Judge Jonathan Carroll added: “I understand you have now apologised to the girl in this case and that both counsel have taken the view it was a genuine and heartfelt apology.

“I can only echo that was the very least you could have done. You were in drink and have allowed horseplay to elevate itself.

“I acknowledge it has had a devastating effect on you, ending your university education and damaging your rugby career, so you have learned in a very hard way a very difficult lesson.

“Go away and reflect how you behaved in drink so you never see yourself before the court again.”

Ms Forshaw said she would be applying for a contribution to her client’s costs in the case.

Twigg played in the debut match for the Thai rugby league team in its inaugural international against El Salvador in 2017.

The winger had previously played rugby union before signing for Warrington Wolves of the Super League as a schoolboy.

But he was released and later played club rugby for Woolston Rovers RLC when he was approached to play for Thailand through his grandmother's heritage.

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