Mason Greenwood ‘relieved’ after attempted rape charges dropped, Manchester United to ‘conduct own process’
- Withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light meant there was ‘no longer a realistic prospect of conviction’, prosecutors say
- Premier League club says in statement it will now ‘conduct its own process before determining the next steps’
Charges of attempted rape and assault against Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood have been dropped by prosecutors, British police said on Thursday, as the footballer said he was “relieved”.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light were factors in their decision to stop the case against him.
In a short statement released on his behalf, the 21-year-old said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.
“There will be no further comment at this time.”
Greater Manchester Police said it was “only fair” that they announce that Greenwood, who was arrested in January last year, would no longer face criminal proceedings “given the significant media coverage of this case”.
The striker originally faced one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, all against the same complainant.
“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,” the CPS said in a statement.