Ched Evans: I have learned a "valuable" lesson

Ched Evans' aunt has attacked the footballer for not apologising to the victim of the rape for which he was convicted.

Nina Evans, 56, told the Sun: “Ched won’t grasp or listen. He won’t admit he’s done wrong. He’ll never show remorse.”

Ms Evans, who works as an addiction counsellor and sometimes treats rape victims, said she was very disappointed in a video apology her nephew made.

In the video Evans apologised to girlfriend Natasha Massey but did not mention his victim.

“It cut me like a knife. I hoped he’d come to his senses and say the right thing. What about his poor victim? It’s a massive insult to her," Ms Evans said.

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Sheffield United has denied reports it has offered a contract to convicted rapist Ched Evans, claiming newspaper reports are "false and damaging to the club".

Following Evans' release from prison yesterday, The Sun newspaper reported that the 25-year-old's former club had offered him a two-year contract.

But Sheffield United co-chairmen, Kevin McCabe and Jim Phipps, said they were still "continuing to deliberate on any long term decision about Ched Evans."

On Wednesday, an ITV News Calendar poll found 52% of people were against him rejoining the club.

Former Sheffield United footballer Ched Evans has released a video statement less than a week after he was released from prison after serving a sentence for rape.

Sheffield United patron and TV presenter Charlie Webster said she will quit her role with the club if they re-sign Ched Evans.

The 25-year-old former Sheffield United player and Welsh international was released from jail early yesterday morning after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room.

Many Blades fans have called for him to be rehabilitated, but almost 150,000 people have signed an online petition urging the Bramall Lane club not to welcome him back.

The charity Women's Aid says Ched Evans should not be allowed to return to football due to his lack of remorse.

The former Blades striker was convicted of raping a teenager in 2012 but has always maintained his innocence.

The charity's Chief Executive said that while they typically support rehabilitation of offenders in Evans' case that has not happened:

Footballer Ched Evans will make a "very personal and profound statement" next week following his release from jail after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel.

The 25-year-old Welsh international Evans left Wymott Prison, near Leyland, Lancashire, in a silver Mercedes 4x4 just before 5am today.

In a statement on his website, his family said:

His website, which is run by his family and girlfriend Natasha Massey, confirmed his release and said they are determined to overturn his conviction.

Evans was jailed in April 2012 for raping the woman in a hotel room in Rhyl, North Wales.

His release will pile more pressure on his former club, Sheffield United, to say whether he will be allowed to play for them again.

Over half of people who answered a poll by ITV News said he should not be allowed to return to the professional game.

Many Blades fans have called for him to be rehabilitated, but almost 50,000 people have signed an online petition urging the Bramall Lane club not to welcome him back.

The striker denied raping the woman but was found guilty by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court.

Evans scored 48 goals in 113 games for the Blades before his imprisonment, including 35 in 42 games during the 2011/12 campaign which was cut short for him due to his trial and conviction.

He has been capped 13 times for Wales.

Footballer Ched Evans was released from prison at 5am this morning, a statement on his website has confirmed.

A separate update read that Evans "is now adjusting to normal life after serving a sentence for a crime consistently denied".

The former Sheffield United striker hopes to overturn his 2012 conviction for rape, and the statement says his legal team is "confident" in an application for a second appeal.

According to the website, Evans plans to make a "very personal and profound" statement by video next week.

"Ched would like to thank prior to the video statement, the thousands of people from all walks of life who have supported him and believe in him," the post said.

There are unconfirmed reports that convicted rapist Ched Evans was released from prison at 5am this morning. It is thought he was travelling inside a Mercedes seen leaving the prison at this time. No official confirmation yet.