England cricketer Ben Stokes charged with affray
The all-rounder is charged alongside two other men who will all appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court on a date to be fixed.
Monday 15 January 2018 23:58, UK
England cricketer Ben Stokes has been charged with affray after an incident outside a Bristol nightclub.
The Crown Prosecution Service says the 26-year-old Durham all-rounder is accused alongside two other men.
Stokes will appear with Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, at Bristol Magistrates' Court on a date to be fixed.
It follows an "incident of disorder" in the Clifton Triangle area of Bristol during the early hours of 25 September - hours after England had played a match in the city.
Stokes missed the Ashes after being suspended from playing for England following the incident in which a 27-year-old man is alleged to have suffered a fractured eye socket.
"The CPS was passed a file of evidence by Avon and Somerset Police on November 29 2017 in relation to an incident of disorder in Bristol city centre," a CPS spokesman said.
"Further material was subsequently received in late December.
"Following a review of all the available evidence, the CPS has today authorised the police to charge three men with affray in connection with the incident."
The charge of affray is made under the Public Order Act 1986 and effectively relates to fighting in public.
The offence can be heard in either the magistrates' court or the crown court.
When tried summarily in the magistrates court, it carries a maximum penalty of a fine or up to six months in prison.
When tried on indictment in the crown court, it carries a sentence of up to three years in prison.