Harry Maguire’s Greek retrial for assault and bribery shelved for over a year – and may never go ahead

HARRY Maguire’s retrial for assault and bribery has been shelved for more than a year — and may never go ahead. 

The England and Manchester United centre-back was due to plead his innocence this week at a long-awaited hearing on the Greek island of Mykonos. 

But a legal strike saw it postponed and lawyers say it will now not take place until March next year at the earliest.

Officials are now said to be reluctant to pursue the case amid fears it has damaged the island’s reputation and harmed tourism. 

The move to postpone the case prolongs the ordeal for the ace who has vowed to clear his name after his shock arrest in summer 2020. 

A source said: “Harry has — and always will — contest the charges.

“He was on holiday with friends and family and was understandably distraught. He doesn’t want this hanging over him another day but respects the Greek legal system.” 

Maguire, 30, was held by police and spent two nights in a cell after an altercation on a night out. 

He was hauled into court days later and his lawyers were given just two hours to prepare a case. 

Crucial evidence was withheld from the trial and Maguire was found guilty of bodily harm, attempted bribery and violence.

The footie hero, who has won 62 caps for the Three Lions, got a suspended jail term of 21 months. 

Maguire’s lawyers immediately lodged an appeal — quashing the original verdict — and vowed to return to court to clear his name. 

The player later told how the ordeal unfolded as he, his wife Fern, sister Daisy and six others waited for a taxi.

He said two Albanian men approached Daisy and tried to talk to her. 

Fern said she then saw Daisy’s eyes had rolled back as she drifted in and out of consciousness.

Maguire said the group shouted at the men but there was no fight.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk