Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has expressed his immense aid after tried rape and assault fees in opposition to him have been dropped on Thursday.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) revealed that the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of latest materials proof have been the driving forces behind their determination to cease the case in opposition to the 21-year-old.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated it was “only fair” it introduced that Greenwood would not face legal proceedings however urged any potential victims of crime to not “let this case put you off asking for help.”
Greenwood initially confronted one rely of tried rape, one rely of controlling and coercive habits and one rely of assault occasioning precise bodily hurt, all in opposition to the identical complainant.
In a brief assertion launched on Greenwood’s behalf after the fees have been dropped, he stated: “I’m relieved that this matter is now over and I want to thank my household, family members and pals for his or her assist.
“There will be no further comment at this time.”
The PA news company understands Greenwood is not going to return to enjoying or coaching whereas Premier League facet United perform its personal inner investigation.
An announcement from the membership learn: “Manchester United notes the choice of the Crown Prosecution Service that each one fees in opposition to Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
“The club will now conduct its own process before determining the next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”
In its assertion confirming the case had been discontinued, the CPS stated: “We have an obligation to maintain circumstances beneath steady evaluation.
“In this case, a mixture of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new materials that got here to mild meant there was not a practical prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we’re beneath an obligation to cease the case.
“We have defined our determination to all events.
“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, who has been capped as soon as for England, was first held in January final yr over allegations referring to a younger lady after photos and movies have been posted on-line.
Within hours of the allegations surfacing, Greenwood was suspended from enjoying or coaching with the Old Trafford membership.
Sports attire agency Nike suspended and later terminated its sponsorship take care of Greenwood, whereas Electronic Arts confirmed his removing from lively squads on its FIFA 22 laptop sport.
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s head of public safety, stated: “Given the numerous media protection of this case, it’s only honest that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in reference to an investigation opened in January 2022, not faces legal 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.”
Kerr stated an “ever-increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training” and the pressure is extra persistently utilizing instruments to maintain folks protected and take care of victims.
“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help,” she added.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
