Paul Heaton latest to resign over Ched Evans

Singer-songwriter became the fourth patron to resign their position

Paul Heaton, who has resigned as a patron of Sheffield United's Community Foundation over the club's decision to allow convicted rapist Ched Evans back to training. (PA)

The singer-songwriter Paul Heaton yesterday became the fourth patron to resign their position from Sheffield United as a result of its decision to allow the convicted rapist Ched Evans to train with the club.

The former Beautiful South singer said he believed Evans had a “right to rebuild his career” but needed to “move away” from the club which has already lost the support of TV presenters Charlie Webster and Lindsay Graham.

The Olympic gold medal winning heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill last week said that she would ask for her name to be removed from the Bramall Lane stand if Evans was offered a new contract.

Heaton, a lifelong Sheffield United fan, said he wanted to “salute the bravery” of the trio in “standing up for victims of rape everywhere”.

He said he planned to donate his fee from a forthcoming performance at Sheffield City Hall to Sheffield Rape Crisis Centre.