THE CPS has revealed why attempted rape and assault charges were dropped against Mason Greenwood after the Manchester United striker was probed.
Greenwood today had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
The Premier League and England star, 21, was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
Greenwood was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
But cops at Greater Manchester Police today confirmed the Crown Prosecution Service has dropped all charges against him.
The CPS said that their decision to discontinue the prosecution was made with the case under “continuous review”.
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This decision was made in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
A CPS spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
“In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
“In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case. We have explained our decision to all parties.
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“We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
It is not the function of the CPS to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent, and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for the criminal court to consider.
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said: “The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
“Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
“I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
“An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
