Derby County’s star forward, Carlton Morris, has been charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Bedfordshire Police following an investigation into allegations from a 2023 incident. The 29-year-old striker—renowned for his physicality, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing, with 47 goals in 146 appearances for the Hatters since his 2022 move from Barnsley—was arrested in December 2023 alongside a teammate, who faced similar charges related to the same night out in Luton town center. The charges arose from an evening at a local nightclub where the players allegedly met two women in their early 20s; prosecutors allege non-consensual acts occurred later at a nearby hotel, though Morris and his co-accused have vehemently denied the claims, asserting all interactions were consensual.
The protracted legal saga, complicated by forensic evidence disputes and witness testimonies, culminated at Luton Crown Court in March 2025. After a three-week trial featuring expert testimonies on consent and digital forensics from the players’ phones, the jury acquitted Morris on all counts following 14 hours of deliberation, citing insufficient evidence beyond reasonable doubt. Morris, visibly emotional in the courtroom, later released a statement expressing relief and gratitude to his family and club, while reaffirming his innocence. Luton Town, battling relegation in the Championship that season, supported him fully—placing him on compassionate leave during proceedings but avoiding any internal penalties post-verdict.
Morris, who shone in the Premier League with 20 goals in 2023-24 before relegation, resumed training immediately and has since thrived, bagging eight goals in 18 outings as of November 2025 to help Luton push for promotion. The case drew parallels to other high-profile footballer allegations, like those involving Benjamin Mendy or Mason Greenwood, reigniting discussions on nightlife risks for athletes and the need for enhanced safeguarding in the EFL. No league-wide changes ensued, but it amplified calls for better mental health resources amid such scrutiny.
If this isn’t the scenario you intended—maybe a different charge or player—provide more specifics for an adjusted rundown.
