Former darts world champion Ted Hankey pleads guilty to sexual assault charge

Hankey pleaded guilty on Thursday

Former darts world champion Ted Hankey has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault. Hankey appeared in front of Warrington Magistrates' Court on Thursday where he was charged with intentionally touching a woman over the age of 16 on September 10 last year. A Cheshire police spokesperson said in a statement, as per the Guardian two weeks ago: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Cheshire Constabulary to charge Edward Hankey with the sexual assault of a woman. The CPS made the decision to charge the 54-year-old after reviewing a file of evidence from Cheshire Constabulary." District Judge Nicolas Sanders adjourned the case to Chester Crown Court where Hankey will then be sentenced on May 12.

Hankey is a two-time BDO world champion

Hankey is a two-time BDO world professional darts champion, first qualifying in 1998 before winning events in 2000 and 2009. The 54-year-old also withdrew from the world senior darts championships which was held in February of this year. No reason was given for his absence, with the statement saying: "Following correspondence received from Ted Hankey, he has confirmed that he has formally withdrawn from our February WC22 event. Details on his replacement will be announced in due course." The Stoke-on-Trent born Hankey, who was also nicknamed 'The Court' was also famous for his walk-ons where he would wear a cape and walk out to the 2002 song 'Be on Your Way' by DJ Zany. In 2012, Hankey struggled with health problems and suffered from a mini stroke and despite attempting to return to the game, failed to qualify for any major events. Hankey was also the subject of a bankruptcy order order made at a London Court by HM Revenue and Customs in 2018.   Related links:

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