MASON Greenwood has had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
Greater Manchester Police announced today that criminal proceedings against the 21-year-old Manchester United forward have been discontinued.
All of the charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault were all relating to the same woman, believed to be his girlfriend.
“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, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this,” Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said in an official statement today.
“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.
“I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them. An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”
A CPS spokesperson added: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review. 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.”
Greenwood has been suspended by Manchester United all through the court process and has not played professional football for a full year.
The last fixture he played in for United was the Premier League clash against West Ham on January 22 last year.
About a week later, on January 30, Greenwood was arrested after a woman made a series of posts, which included incriminating voice notes, on Twitter. He was arrested afterwards.
Prosecutors charged Greenwood with the three offences in October and he appeared before magistrates on October 17 and then before a judge a month later.
