Man on rape charge critically ill

A man accusing of raping an 18-year-old woman is in a critical condition in hospital after being found in his cell.

Matthew le Cras, 21, of Newborough, Anglesey, was taken to hospital from Altcourse Prison, Liverpool, where he had been held for a week.

He had been due to appear at a preliminary hearing at Mold Crown Court on Friday after the alleged rape at Gaerwen, Anglesey, on Monday, 14 April.

GSL, which runs the private jail, said he was in a life-threatening condition.

The company said he was discovered early on Thursday in his cell by a member of prison staff.

At Mold Crown Court Judge John Rogers was told the defendant had been taken ill in his cell and was "very poorly" in hospital.

The case was adjourned until 20 June.