Mason Greenwood: Criminal proceedings against Manchester United player dropped

Charges of attempted rape and assault against Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood have been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Greater Manchester Police have announced.

The CPS said there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction” after key witnesses withdrew their cooperation with the investigation.

Greenwood was arrested on January 31, 2022, on suspicion of rape and assault, then arrested on February 1, 2022, on suspicion of sexual assault and death threats.

He was charged in October with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behavior and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.

All three charges involved the same woman.

He was due to stand trial in November 2023.

Manchester United had suspended the 21-year-old England international.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police on Thursday read: “Criminal charges against a 21-year-old man in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022 have today (Thursday 2nd February 2023) been dropped by the CPS. “

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s public protection officer, added: “Given the extensive media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, is no longer the subject of criminal charges in this regard.

“The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing all important updates, and thus understands the rationale for discontinuing the prosecution at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.

“Despite media and public interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in further detail.”

A CPS spokesperson told The Athletic: “We have a duty to keep the cases under continuous review.

“In this case, the combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material being uncovered meant that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. Under these circumstances, we have a duty to stop the case.

“We have explained our decision to all parties.

“We always encourage all potential victims to come forward and report to the police and we will prosecute whenever our legal test is met.”

Manchester United have been contacted for comment.

(Photo: Getty Images)