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Football

02nd Feb 2023

Mason Greenwood has all rape and assault charges against him dropped

JOE

He was due to stand trial in November

Mason Greenwood has had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.

The Manchester United striker, 21, was first arrested in January last year after allegations relating to a young woman first surfaced online.

Greenwood was due to stand trial in November on charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive control, all against the same woman.

But Greater Manchester Police today confirmed the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has dropped all charges against him.

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said: “Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this.

“The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.

“Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.

“I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.

“An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.

“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”

In October, the CPS charged the footballer with attempting to rape a woman 16 or over, with a date specified as October 22, 2021; engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour, with dates specified between December 1, 2018 and October 15, 2022; and assaulting a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm, with a time period specified as December 12, 2021 and December 31, 2021.

He was also questioned by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of making threats to kill.

Following the allegations, Manchester United suspended him from playing and training, and Nike ended their sponsorship deal with him.

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