Manchester Rape Cases: Greenwood Bailed, Mendy Appears In Court Again

 

 

Further investigations will be conducted in the Mason Greenwood rape and assault case despite the Manchester United forward’s bail after being detained following his arrest on suspicion of rape and other charges after allegations on social media.

The 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault on Sunday and then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill on Tuesday.

United have previously said the forward would not return to training or matches until further notice.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed Greenwood’s bail pending further investigations.

Greenwood’s presence has been removed from the FIFA 2022 computer game and merchandise bearing his name has vanished from United’s online store.

 

 

Meanwhile across the other side of Manchester, City left back Benjamin Mendy has appeared in court to face a new allegation of attempted rape.

The 27-year-old appeared in the dock at Chester Crown Court, where a judge ruled that the new charge the French international faces can now be reported.

Mendy now faces nine charges in all, including seven counts of rape involving six alleged victims.

At the pre-trial hearing, Judge Patrick Thompson urged lawyers to ensure there is no delay and that the case will be ready as he set a date for a trial, estimated to last up to six weeks, starting on July 25.

He said: “It’s not fair on the complainants and not fair on the defendants.

“I’m conscious of the fact that the complainants have already suffered significant delay.

“Say, for example, Mr Mendy, his career is on hold. Everyone has got to understand Mr Mendy can’t go to work. This matter needs to be tried.”

The defendant, wearing a dark grey suit, white shirt and black tie, spoke only to confirm his identity and leaned his head towards a French interpreter who sat between him and his co-defendant, Louis Saha Matturie.

Judge Thompson set a further pre-trial hearing for March 11.