Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood has been charged with attempted rape and assault

Greenwood is due to appear in court on Monday (17 October)

Trigger warning: this article contains references to abuse and sexual assault.

The Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said.

Greenwood – who is scheduled to appear at Greater Manchester magistrates’ court on Monday (17 October) – was originally arrested in January this year on suspicion of rape and assault, before being further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill. He was later released on bail.

In a statement announcing the charges, Janet Potter, the deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.” 

Confirming that all three counts relate to the same complainant, Potter continued: “Specialist rape prosecutors from CPS North West’s complex casework unit authorised the charges following a review of a file of evidence received from Greater Manchester Police.

“The defendant’s first court appearance will take place on Monday 17 October at Greater Manchester magistrates’ court.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings.” 

Greenwood has not played or trained with Manchester United since January, when allegations against him first came to light.

Nike, who was sponsoring Greenwood at the time, also ended its deal with him, and Electronic Arts removed him from active squads on its Fifa 22 game. 

The 24-hour National Domestic Abuse helpline can be contacted on 0808 2000 247 and further support can be accessed online via their website. 

Image: Getty

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