Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has had all prices towards him dropped following the “withdrawal of key witnesses”.
The 21-year-old ahead confronted allegations of tried rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault. All three prices associated to the identical girl.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) mentioned it had a “obligation to cease the case” following the “withdrawal of key witnesses and new materials that got here to gentle”.
These developments meant there was “not a practical prospect of conviction”, it added.
“In these circumstances, we’re underneath an obligation to cease the case. We’ve defined our resolution to all events.”
The investigation started simply over a 12 months in the past, in January 2022. A trial date had been set for November 27 this 12 months.
A Manchester United assertion learn: “Manchester United notes the choice of the Crown Prosecution Service that each one prices towards Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
“The membership will now conduct its personal course of earlier than figuring out subsequent steps. We is not going to make any additional remark till that course of is full.”
Sky Sports activities Information understands Greenwood is not going to be returning to coaching or taking part in whereas the method takes place.
Better Manchester Police (GMP) mentioned the choice to drop the costs had “not been taken calmly”.
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s head of public safety, mentioned it was “solely honest” that the pressure publicised the newest improvement given the “vital media protection of this case”.
She added: “The investigation staff has remained in common contact with the authorized staff, offering any updates of be aware, and so perceive the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this resolution has not been taken calmly.
“Regardless of the media and public’s curiosity on this case, we now have determined to not touch upon it in any additional element.”
Ms Kerr did nonetheless enchantment to individuals who felt they had been, or may need been, a sufferer, reiterating GMP’s “dedication to investigating allegations of violence towards girls and ladies”.
She continued: “An ever growing variety of officers are receiving specialist coaching and the pressure is extra persistently utilising instruments, out there through the felony justice system, to maintain folks protected and look after victims.
“In case you really feel you might be or could be a sufferer, please do not let this case put you off asking for assist.”
United introduced on January 30 final 12 months he wouldn’t return to coaching or play any matches “till additional discover”.
Nike additionally suspended and later terminated its sponsorship cope with Greenwood, whereas Digital Arts confirmed he had been faraway from energetic squads on its FIFA 22 recreation.
The Bradford-born participant got here by way of the United academy and made his senior debut in a Champions League victory away to Paris Saint-Germain in March 2019.
He has one senior cap for England, taking part in within the Nations League match towards Iceland in September 2020.
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