Man United footballer Mason Greenwood charged with attempted rape
By Aine Fox, PA
Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault.
The 21-year-old is due to appear in court on Monday facing three counts relating to the same woman.
The player 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 then, but was arrested in the Trafford area of Greater Manchester on Saturday for an alleged breach of conditions.
Shortly after 4pm on Saturday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Greenwood.
Janet Potter, 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.”
Greenwood, of Bowdon, will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, police said.
Ms Potter added: “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.”
Within hours of the allegations surfacing online at the beginning of the year, the forward – who has made one appearance for England – was suspended from playing or training with the Old Trafford club.
Nike suspended and later terminated its sponsorship deal with Greenwood, while Electronic Arts confirmed his removal from active squads on its Fifa 22 game.
