02 February 2023 , 22:31
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England footballer Mason Greenwood will not face trial over an alleged sex attack.
All charges against the player, including attempted rape, have been dropped. The CPS said it was due to “the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”.
But his career at Manchester United – where he earns close to £100,000 a week – still hangs in the balance.
Police yesterday announced that the charges – attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault – had been dropped.
All the allegations concerned the same young woman.
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The CPS said: “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.
Manchester United is conducting its own investigation after the CPS dropped all charges (Getty Images)
A court sketch of Greenwood in the dock (PA)“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, 21, said: “I am relieved this matter is now over. I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.”
United said that after learning of the CPS decision the club “will now conduct its own process before determining next steps”.
Bradford-born Greenwood has been suspended on full pay by the club since his arrest in January last year.
He was questioned by police after disturbing images and audio clips were posted on social media. He was charged in October.
Greenwood's home (Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)A provisional trial date was set for November this year.
Chief Supt Michaela Kerr, at Greater Manchester police, said: “The investigation team…understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
"I would like to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls. If you feel you are a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”
The CPS has said there is no longer a realistic prospect for conviction (Paul Currie/PA Wire)Commenting on the justice system, Farah Nazeer, of Women’s Aid, which campaigns to end domestic abuse, said yesterday: “Only one in five women report domestic abuse to police, highlighting the severe lack of trust they have that they will be taken seriously.
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“We’ll continue to push for evidence-led prosecutions which reduce the need to rely on the victim’s testimony.
“This is crucial because of the high number of domestic abuse cases that are dropped [as] the victim no longer feels able to support a prosecution, often due to the severe barriers and safety implications of taking an abuser to court.”