Greenwood faces year wait for rape trial
MASON GREENWOOD, the Manchester United footballer, faces a year-long wait to be tried on charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.
The 21-year-old, who has represented England once, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court in the city for a hearing yesterday.
Bradford-born Greenwood, wearing a black suit, white shirt and black tie, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth as his parents watched from the public gallery.
Jason Pitter KC, prosecuting, asked for a case management hearing to be held on Feb 10 next year.
A trial date was set for Nov 27 next year, with the case expected to last 10 days.
Pleas to the charges were not entered during the hearing, which lasted less than 10 minutes.
Judge Maurice Greene said: “Mr Greenwood, the next hearing that you will need to attend is Feb 10.
“You are granted bail as before, you must attend otherwise you will commit a separate offence.
“The proposed trial date has been set for Nov 27, which is a long way off, so it’s very important you keep in contact with your solicitors. I’m sure you will. The next date is Feb 10.”
Greenwood was first held in January over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online. He had been on bail since but was arrested in the Trafford area on Oct 15 for an alleged breach of conditions.
On Oct 17, he was remanded in custody, and was sent to prison facing the prospect of spending more than a month inside HMP Berwyn, in Wrexham, North Wales.
But two days later, he was released from custody on conditional bail.
Yesterday, Judge Greene granted Greenwood bail with the same conditions as he was under previously.
They are to not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and to reside at an address in Bow Green Road in Bowdon.