Allegations of attempted rape and assault against soccer player Mason Greenwood have been dropped. The 21-year-old was arrested in January last year after online images and videos led to accusations against him.
He was later charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault causing actual bodily harm. The prosecution said the charges were dropped because key witnesses stopped cooperating.
A spokesperson said:
“We have a duty to review cases on an ongoing basis.”
“In this case, due to a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light, there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. Under these circumstances, we have a duty to stop the case.”
“We have explained our decision to all parties.”
“We would always encourage potential victims to come forward and report it to the police and we will prosecute where our legal test is passed.”
When the allegations were posted online in early 2022, the striker, who had only made one appearance for England, was banned from playing or training at the Old Trafford club within hours.
If you would like to read more about those accused of misconduct, you can view some of our previous coverage of them here:
Greater Manchester Police said it was “only fair” to say Greenwood would not be charged with a crime again. It was “not taken lightly”, according to Ch. Supt. Michael Kerr.
She added:
“However, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the Corps’ commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and to support those affected, regardless of their circumstances, during what can be a difficult and distressing time for them.”
