Mason Greenwood has been cleared of charges relating to assault, attempted rape and coercive control.
Mason Greenwood has been cleared of any wrongdoing a year on from his arrest. He was last in court in November.
The Manchester United forward was scheduled to stand trial again this November, but Greater Manchester Police have just confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have made the decision to drop all charges against him.
In a statement today, Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said (via Manchester Evening News): “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.
“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 was suspended from Manchester United as well as being dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations. Football Manger and FIFA also removed him from their games.
After making 129 appearances for United, during which he scored 35 goals, it remains to be seen if Greenwood has a future in the game.
More updates when we have them.
Well come back to the Squad Mason.