VOICE AIR MEDIA News Update
Mason Greenwood, Manchester United and England forward, has had all charges of rape against him dropped.
All charges of attempted rape brought against Mason Greenwood, Manchester United and England striker, have been dropped on Thursday afternoon.
Greenwood had been arrested by the police in the UK on January 30, 2020, following footage posted online that showed possible attempted rape against his ex-girlfriend.
The incident led to the 21-year-old’s indefinite suspension by Man United. He was thereafter charged to court over allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault.
The Crown Prosecution Service on Thursday said the charges were discontinued after key witnesses withdrew their involvement.
“We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review,” the police spokesman said.
“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.”
Manchester Police, through Michaela Kerr, a Chief Superintendent, added that the decision not to prosecute Greenwood was not been “taken lightly”, and there would be no further details regardless of media attention.
“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.”
Manchester United announced on January 30 last year that Greenwood would not return to training or play any matches “until further notice”.
The Bradford-born player broke into the first team in 2019.
He has scored 22 goals in 83 English Premier League appearances for Man United.