CNN
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Prices of tried rape and assault towards Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood had been dropped on Thursday because of the withdrawal of key witnesses, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) introduced. A cost of controlling and coercive habits was additionally dropped, in line with the CPS.
A spokesperson within the CPS assertion stated, “On this case a mixture of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new materials that got here to gentle meant there was not a practical prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we’re underneath an obligation to cease the case. Now we have defined our resolution to all events.
“We’d all the time encourage any potential victims to return ahead and report back to police and we are going to prosecute wherever our authorized take a look at is met.”
CNN reached out to Greenwood’s authorized illustration for remark however didn’t instantly hear again. In line with The Guardian, Greenwood denied the fees of tried rape.
A Manchester United assertion launched Thursday stated, “Manchester United notes the choice of the Crown Prosecution Service that each one costs towards Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
“The membership will now conduct its personal course of earlier than figuring out subsequent steps. We won’t make any additional remark till that course of is full.”
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, Higher Manchester Police’s (GMP) head of public safety, stated in an announcement the choice to drop costs was not “taken frivolously” and reiterated “GMP’s dedication to investigating allegations of violence towards girls and women.”
“Should you really feel you’re or could be a sufferer, please don’t let this case put you off asking for assist,” Kerr stated.
Greenwood was charged with tried rape, controlling and coercive habits, and part 47 assault of a girl in October 2022.
Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 following the emergence of movies and pictures on social media. The 21-year-old, who has performed as soon as for England, was suspended by Manchester United the identical month and has not performed for the membership since. Nike additionally suspended its relationship with Greenwood.