Mason Greenwood: Manchester United player to spend over a month in custody on attempted rape charge

Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood will spend more than a month in custody after a district judge denied him bail on an attempted rape charge.

The 21-year-old stood in the dock at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday also accused of assault and “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour. All three charges relate to the same woman.

He was arrested in January of this year on suspicion of rape and assault. The striker was also questioned about claims of making threats to kill. His initial arrest came after images and videos were posted online. He has been suspended by Manchester United since January and has not been involved in first team action.

Greenwood had his bail extended in June following a court hearing. However he has now been charged with a number of offences including attempted rape. It comes after he was arrested at his home in Bowden, Greater Manchester today (15 October) after allegedly breaching the conditions of his bail.

Members of Greenwood’s family sat in a full public gallery in the small courtroom, along with members of the press. Wearing a grey hooded Nike jumper and grey jogging bottoms and flanked by two dock officers, the footballer, of Bowdon, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He looked at his family as he was led from the dock to spend more than a month in custody.

What has Mason Greenwood been charged with?

The attempted rape is alleged to have taken place in October 2021. The controlling and coercive behaviour relates to a period between November 2018 and October this year, where he is alleged to have made threatening and derogatory comments towards the complainant, as well as accessing and monitoring her social media accounts. The charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm is dated December 2021

What have the CPS said about the charges?

Janet Potter, the deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said on Sunday: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

“All three counts relate to the same complainant. Specialist rape prosecutors from CPS North West’s complex casework unit authorised the charges following a review of a file of evidence received from Greater Manchester Police. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings.”

Earlier representative for Greater Manchester Police told BBC News in a statement that they were “aware of an allegation regarding a 21-year-old man breaching his bail conditions and an arrest has been made on Saturday”. Enquires are said to be “ongoing at this time”.

Has Greenwood been suspended by Manchester United?

Within hours of the allegations appearing in January, Manchester United suspended Greenwood from playing or training with the club until further notice. In a statement, the club said it “reiterates its strong condemnation of violence of any kind”.

The club also said: “As previously communicated, Mason Greenwood will not train with, or play for, the club until further notice.” Nike also ended a sponsorship deal with the player and he was removed from FIFA 22 by Electronic Arts.