Greenwood charged with attempted rape
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) said. The 21-year-old had been arrested on Saturday morning on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions.
He is scheduled to appear at Manchester magistrates’ court on Monday. Greenwood was originally arrested in January this year on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman, before being further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill. He had been on bail since 2 February.
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.
“All three counts relate to the same complainant. 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 October 17 at 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.”
The footballer has remained suspended by Manchester United since the allegations came to light in numerous social media posts. He last played for the Premier League club on 22 January. After Greenwood’s arrest in January, Nike ended its sponsorship deal with the player and Electronic Arts removed him from active squads on its Fifa 22 game. Before making its decision, Nike issued a statement saying it was “deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations”.