Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been acquitted of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape.
The 28-year-old broke down in tears upon hearing the jury’s verdict after a three-week trial at Chester Crown Court.
Mendy had been accused of attempting to rape a 29-year-old woman in October 2018 at his £4 million mansion in Cheshire, as well as raping a second woman, aged 24, at his home address two years later. However, the jury, consisting of six men and six women, delibrated and returned not guilty verdicts.
The judge, Steven Everett, acknowledged the verdicts and stated that Mendy could be discharged from the dock. This comes after Mendy was previously acquitted earlier this year of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following a six-month trial.
Following the verdicts, Mendy’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, expressed Mendy’s delight and thanked everyone who supported him throughout the ordeal. She requested privacy for Mendy as he looks to rebuild his life.
The former Manchester City left-back was released by the club at the end of June when his contract expired. When asked by reporters if he plans to resume his football career, Mendy declined to comment.
The acquittal marks a significant outcome for Mendy, who has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. As he begins the process of rebuilding his life, Mendy will undoubtedly appreciate the opportunity to move forward from this challenging chapter.
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