Ched Evans' rape victim's photograph 'posted online' and viewed 'thousands of times'

It was reported that the footballer's victim's picture was shared by an Asian news website

The prospect of signing Ched Evans has led several Oldham sponsors to threaten to quit (PA)

Ched Evans' rape victim's photograph has been posted by an Asian news website, it was claimed yesterday.

Two pictures of the victim, who has a legal lifetime right to anonymity, were apparently posted on a news website in Asia, according to the Sunday People.

The 23-year-old, who was a teenager when she was attacked by Evans, has had her image viewed "several thousand times" according to the newspaper.

Nine people have already been prosecuted for naming the victim online in 2012. Anybody who discloses the identity of a rape victim is held in contempt of court - they can be fined or given a two-year jail term or both.

Evans' victim has been in hiding ever since her identity was revealed, and has been forced to move home five times.

The footballer, who was released from prison in October 2014, was found guilty of rape in 2012 and given a five-year sentence after his victim was deemed too drunk to consent to having sex.

Potential deals with football clubs including Sheffield United and Oldham Athletic have fallen through after petitions were launched in outrage, and sponsors threatened to drop out.

Evans maintains his innocence.