Manchester United player Mason Greenwood has now had his attempted rape and assault charges withdrawn.
Recall that accusations involving some pictures and videos led to the 21-year-old’s arrest early last year in January.
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Further investigations also led to charges of attempted rape, coercive behaviour, and assault causing actual bodily harm being brought against him.
However, the English professional footballer has expressed relief after the charges against him were dropped.
On Thursday 3rd January, the Greater Manchester Police announced that the charges against Greenwood had been discontinued after the witnesses withdrew their participation.
In a statement, Greenwood said he was “relieved” and thanked his family and friends for supporting him.
“There will be no further comment at this time,” he continued.
Head of Public Protection for GMP, Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, stated earlier today:
“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,” he stated.
A CPS representative stated: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review. In this case, a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
“In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case. We have explained our decision to all parties.
“We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
Mason was born on October 1, 2001, in Bradford, England and made his professional debut for Manchester United in 2019 and has since become one of the most promising young talents in English football.
He has not played professional football since his arrest over a year ago on January 30th as he was suspended by the league. His last game was against Westham on the 22nd of January.
The following day also, his sponsor Nike also declared it was ending its affiliation with the footballer and later added that it had been discontinued. About eight months later, in October, prosecutors filed three charges against Greenwood.
Other arrests
Upload your SongMason Greenwood was detained at Istanbul Atatürk Airport in Turkey on August 29, 2021, along with teammate Phil Foden, for violating COVID-19 guidelines while representing England at an international level. Both players were suspended from the team and faced internal disciplinary action from their club after the event, which gained extensive media coverage. The incident’s specifics and the accusations made against them remain unknown.
