Mason Greenwood has all attempted rape and assault charges DROPPED
>
Mason Greenwood has DROPPED all charges of attempted rape and assault a year after the Man United star was arrested, amid questions about whether he will play for the club again.
- Mason Greenwood, 21, had faced three charges and had appeared in court.
- Today the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against him.
Man United star Mason Greenwood was acquitted of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behavior and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Greenwood, 21, was charged in October 2022, but a decision was made this afternoon to stay prosecution under the Crown Prosecutors Code.
A CPS spokesperson said: ‘We have a duty to keep cases under continual review.
“In this case, a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light meant that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we have a duty to stop the case.
‘We have explained our decision to all parties.
Greenwood was charged in October 2022, but a decision was made this afternoon to stay prosecution in accordance with the Crown Prosecutors Code.
Forward Mason Greenwood, 21, was arrested in January and immediately suspended by Manchester United
“We would always encourage any potential victim to come forward and report it to the police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
The charges Greenwood was facing, from November 2018 to October 2021, all related to the same woman.
In November, he appeared at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court in a dark suit and hoodie and was supported by family members.
He removed his hoodie when he appeared on the bench to confirm his name and age for the brief five-minute hearing, but he did not plead guilty.
A court sketch of Mason Greenwood appearing in the dock at Manchester Magistrates Court October 17 holding security on charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault. All three charges related to the same woman and were dropped by CPS today.
Greenwood, 21, went to court in November on the now-dropped charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behavior.
At the time, Jason Pitter KC, charging, had admitted that the case required “careful consideration” before it could proceed.
Today, 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, he no longer faces criminal prosecution in connection with this.
“The investigation team has been in regular contact with the legal team, providing important updates, so you understand the reason for the suspension of proceedings at this stage and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
“Despite the media and public interest in this case, we have decided not to comment further.
“However, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigate allegations of violence against women and girls and to support those affected, regardless of their circumstances, during what can be a difficult and upsetting time for them. An increasing number of officers are receiving specialized training, and the force is more consistently using the tools, available through the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
“If you feel you are or could be a victim, don’t let this case discourage you from asking for help.”