Expenses in opposition to Manchester United ahead Mason Greenwood have been dropped by police, simply over a 12 months since his arrest.
Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of raping and assaulting a lady on January 30, 2022, and once more just a few days afterward suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
He was suspended by Manchester United on the time, and has not appeared in a matchday squad or skilled with the membership since.
In October 2022, he was charged with tried rape, assault occasioning precise bodily hurt, and controlling and coercive behaviour, and in November a courtroom date was set for November 2023.
Nevertheless, on Thursday, Higher Manchester Police launched an announcement that “Legal proceedings in opposition to a 21-year-old man in reference to an investigation opened in January 2022 have in the present day been discontinued by the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service].”
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, Higher Manchester Police’s Head of Public Safety, stated: “Given the numerous media protection of this case, it’s only honest that we share the information that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in reference to an investigation opened in January 2022, not faces felony proceedings in relation to this.
“The investigation staff has remained in common contact with the authorized staff, offering any updates of notice, and so perceive the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this determination has not been taken calmly.
“Regardless of the media and public’s curiosity on this case, we’ve determined to not touch upon it in any additional element.
“I’d, nevertheless, like to make use of this chance to reiterate GMP’s dedication to investigating allegations of violence in opposition to ladies and ladies and supporting these affected, no matter their circumstances, all through what could be a onerous and upsetting time for them. An ever growing variety of officers are receiving specialist coaching and the drive is extra persistently utilising instruments, accessible through the felony justice system, to maintain folks secure and look after victims.
“For those who really feel you’re or may be a sufferer, please don’t let this case put you off asking for assist.”
Greenwood’s final match was a 1-0 win for Manchester United over West Ham on January 22, 2022. The membership, the place he’s nonetheless below contract however is at the moment suspended, have but to touch upon the most recent developments
UPDATE: Assertion from a CPS spokesperson, through Occasions journalist Hannah Al-Othman (opens in new tab): “On this case a mixture of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new materials that got here to mild meant there was not a practical prospect of conviction. “In these circumstances, we’re below an obligation to cease the case.”
