Former Border cricketer, Dion Taljard, has been sentenced to 18 years in a UK jail for rape. 

The 47-year old former first-class cricketer played for Border between 1993-2000, followed by a move to Britain at the end of his career, where he played for Tonge Cricket Club in Bolton, Unsworth Cricket Club in Bury and Royton Cricket Club in Oldham.

As stated by ESPNcricinfo, Taljard was found guilty of 19 counts of rape, two of indecent assault and one of witness intimidation. He also was registered as a sex offender.

‘You had come from South Africa and you were a professional cricketer. You played professional cricket both in South Africa and in this country for various clubs locally and in Wales and Scotland. It is quite clear you are highly thought of by many people,’ said Judge Maurice Greene.

‘It seems to me that in these circumstances the length of sentence is sufficient to alleviate that risk, if indeed it exists. These are serious offences and a large number of offences, and only a lengthy custodial sentence is justified.’

Taljard has denied that he is guilty, and as a result an online petition from his supporters, including his current girlfriend Jacqueline Costello, was started.

Photo: Manchester Evening News