Rape charge against David Goodwillie dropped

A CHARGE of rape against Dundee United footballer David Goodwillie has been dropped by the Crown Office.

• David Goodwillie is a highly-rated prospect in Scottish football

The Scotland striker was accused of assaulting a 24-year-old woman at a house party in Armadale, West Lothian on 2 January.

Mr Goodwillie was charged on 17 January after the woman alleged she was sexually assaulted.

But the Crown Office said today there was "insufficient evidence" for the case to proceed.

A spokesman said: "The Procurator Fiscal at Livingston received a report concerning a 21-year-old male, in connection with an alleged incident on 2 January 2011.

"After full and careful consideration of all the facts, Crown Counsel has instructed no proceedings on the basis that there is insufficient evidence in law.

"The case is now closed."

Mr Goodwillie, now 22, has not appeared in court in connection with the report to the procurator fiscal.

The striker won the Young Player of the Year award last season after scoring 18 goals and earning a call-up to the Scotland squad.

He was recently linked with a move to Rangers.