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      What were the charges against Mason Greenwood and why have they been dropped?

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      THE Crown Prosecution has today confirmed all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.The 21-year-old Manchester United striker was first arrested amid allegations after images and videos emerged online.
      The CPS has confirmed all charges against Mason Greenwood have been droppedCredit: Reuters
      What were the charges against Mason Greenwood?
      Mason Greenwood was accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
      The footballer was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years.
      This included making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
      Read More on Mason Greenwood
      He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
      When was Mason Greenwood arrested?
      Greenwood was first arrested in January 2022, after police swooped in on his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford.
      He was originally remanded in custody after and spent three nights there, before being charged by police on October 15.
      However, a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
      Most read in Sport
      The 21-year-old was then due to stand trial in November.
      He was also suspended from Man Utd, but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
      Why were the charges dropped against Mason Greenwood?
      The CPS said that their decision to drop the charges was made with the case under “continuous review”.
      They also said the decision was made in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
      Speaking on the case, 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.
      “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
      Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, added: “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.
      Read More on The Sun
      “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.” More

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      Mason Greenwood has charges of attempted rape and assault DROPPED more than a year after Man Utd star was arrested

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      MASON Greenwood today had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.The Manchester United striker, 21, was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
      Mason Greenwood has had all charges against him droppedCredit: PA
      Greenwood was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      The Crown Prosecution today confirmed they had dropped all charges against him.
      A 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.
      Read more on Mason Greenwood
      “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
      “We have explained our decision to all parties.
      “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
      Greenwood last appeared in court in November where a trial date was set for November 23 this year.
      Most read in Football
      The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
      Greenwood was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years – including making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
      He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
      The footballer was originally remanded in custody after being charged by police on October 15.
      But a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
      The striker also spent three nights in custody after he was arrested at his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford last January.
      He was suspended from Utd but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
      Greenwood was removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.
      Football Manager 2022 also confirmed he would not feature in the game.
      All merchandise bearing the No11’s name was axed from the official Utd site and teammates unfollowed him on Instagram.
      Greenwood last played for the Red Devils on January 22 last year when the team beat West Ham 1-0.
      The player joined the club aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
      In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
      Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
      In 2020, England manager Gareth Southgate gave the striker his first cap when Greenwood came off the bench in a 1-0 win against Iceland.
      Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
      Utd have not yet released a statement following the development.
      Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said today: “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.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Greenwood was due to stand trial in NovemberCredit: PA
      The footballer was first arrested last January and spent three nights in custodyCredit: Reuters
      A court sketch shows the footballer in courtCredit: PA More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes charged after ‘high-speed police chase through red lights’ weeks after arrest

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      A FORMER Arsenal star has been charged with dangerous driving just weeks after a first arrest for the same offence.Anthony Stokes was held following an alleged police chase in Dublin through red lights in the early hours of yesterday morning.
      Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes has been charged with dangerous drivingCredit: Rex
      The 34-year-old has been charged with dangerous driving and failure to provide a sample when required.
      Former Irish international Stokes is due to appear before Dun Laoghaire District Court at a later date.
      It comes just weeks after the forward was arrested when almost £4,000 worth of suspected cocaine was found in a car.
      He was also allegedly involved in a police pursuit in that incident too after the vehicle sped off from cops.
      Read more on Arsenal
      Former Celtic and Hibs star Stokes spent a night in custody following the drama.
      He is due to appear in court on Friday over that alleged incident.
      In the latest charge, Stokes is accused of allegedly failing to stop for police in his Volkswagen Golf.
      The vehicle is then suspected of driving through a number of red lights at junctions as officers gave chase.
      Most read in Football
      It then came to a stop close to a roundabout around twenty minutes later.
      Troubled Stokes has been hauled before the courts on a number of occasions.
      In 2013, former Elvis impersonator Anthony Bradley, 55, suffered a broken nose after he was attacked by Stokes at a pub.
      Stokes admitted bombarding his ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott with offensive text messages in 2019.
      He was due to be sentenced in Scotland but a warrant for his arrest was ordered after he failed to appear for sentencing.
      Stokes began his career in the Arsenal reserve team when he was aged 15.
      He made his first-team debut as a substitute in the League Cup against Sunderland in 2005.
      Stokes the moved on loan to Falkirk where he scored 16 goals in 18 league and cup appearances.
      The footballer was transferred by Arsenal to Sunderland for £2million in 2007 with ex-Ireland and Utd star Roy Keane at the helm.
      He made 36 appearances before moving to Sheffield United and Crystal Palace on loan.
      Stokes later made a return to the Scottish league playing for Hibs and Celtic as well as spells for Greek and Iranian clubs.
      Stokes began his senior career with ArsenalCredit: Rex
      The Irish international is due to appear in court on a later dateCredit: Getty

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      Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo forced to call police as he’s confronted by angry Roma fans after transfer request

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      TOTTENHAM transfer target Nicolo Zaniolo was forced to call the police after he was confronted by angry Roma fans.Zaniolo, 23, angered supporters after handing in a transfer request.
      Nicolo Zaniolo was chased by angry Roma fans and the police were calledCredit: Getty
      Manager Jose Mourinho confirmed that the 11-cap Italian has been asking to leave for a month and has missed the last three matchdays as a result.
      Mourinho said ahead of last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Serie A leaders Napoli: “It has been a month since the player said that he wants to leave.
      “After Spezia, I gave them a day off and an optional training session.
      “All those who didn’t play came to work and these are the ones we want.
      READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS
      “If a player tells everyone that he doesn’t want to wear the Roma shirt, I have to say that he stays in spite of me.
      “What I can say today is that Zaniolo will not be in Naples and I focus on those who will be.”
      And according to Calciomercato, following the loss, Roma ultras gathered in front of Zaniolo’s house in the Casal Palocco area of Rome.
      The report says the angry fans sang: “S**t! If we lost it’s all your fault. Go away!”
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      Zaniolo was reportedly chased away by the angry fans and the police were called.
      The ultras quickly dispersed upon the police’s arrival.
      The playmaker’s mother, Francesca Costa, has called the hatred “excessive” after a wall in Trigoria had a message for Zaniolo which attacked her.
      Corriere Della Sera says a nasty message read: “Zaniolo executioner, your mother is a great s**t.”
      Francesca said: “Having originated all this hatred seems a little excessive to me.”
      Zaniolo has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
      Tottenham are one of many said to be keen on the Roma ace.
      Bournemouth were also rumoured to be monitoring Zaniolo’s situation, while Newcastle are said to be keen. More

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      Man City star Benjamin Mendy seen for first time since being acquitted of rape charges – as he faces retrial in months

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      BENJAMIN Mendy was today spotted for the first time since a jury cleared him of raping women at his isolated mansion.The smiling Man City star was snapped walking with two pals in Cheshire this afternoon – two weeks after being acquitted.
      Benjamin Mendy out in Cheshire on January 29Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The Man City star was cleared by a jury of raping four womenCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The 28-year-old was accused by prosecutors of being a “predator” who “turned the pursuit of women for sex into a game”.
      Mendy also allegedly locked his victims in a “panic room” and hid their phones so they couldn’t escape.
      But on January 13, the French international was found not guilty of six rapes and one sexual assault against four women.
      Jurors could not reach verdicts on one count of rape and one of attempted rape against two other alleged victims after 67 hours and 17 minutes of deliberations.
      READ MORE ON MENDY
      He will return to court to be retried on June 26.
      On the day, Mendy’s lawyer said he was “delighted” to have been cleared of sex attacks and “looks forward” to clearing his name at re-trial.
      During the six-month trial, jurors were told by prosecutors that the left-back lured young women into “toxic and dangerous” situations at his six-bedroom Cheshire home.
      Co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie acted as Mendy’s “fixer” by getting girls as young as 17 to attend the lockdown-busting parties after nights spent in the VIP sections of clubs drinking £1,500 bottles of champagne, it was alleged.
      Most read in Football
      Saha, 41, was found not guilty of three counts of rape relating to two teenagers. 
      Jurors failed to reach verdicts on three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault against him by five other women.
      Some of the alleged victims claimed their phones were taken away from them on arrival leaving them unable to call for help.
      Once inside, the women were allegedly treated as “disposable… used for sex then thrown to one side”.
      Mendy’s lawyer Eleanor Laws KC described claims he used his fame to attract the opposite sex were “utterly ridiculous”.
      She told the court: “He’s not the kind of character to deliberately harm anyone under any circumstances.”
      But during Mendy’s own evidence, he said it was “honestly so easy” for him to meet up with women and have sex “because of the status” – though admitted he’s no Brad Pitt.
      He also told jurors he would often sleep with different women on the same night, and reportedly boasted to one alleged victim that he had bedded 10,000 women, telling her it was a “privilege” to be one of them.
      Manchester City said it is “not in a position to comment further at this time”. More

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      Two Scots footballers who battered man on a night out in Dublin handed suspended jail terms

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      Two Scots footballers who carried out a “shameful attack” during a night out in Dublin have walked free from court after being handed suspended prison sentences.Montrose stars Liam Callaghan and Craig Johnston chased a ‘blameless’ 52-year-old man through the city streets, swung a traffic cone at him, punched him and clobbered him with a box.
      Liam Callaghan chased a ‘blameless’ 52-year-old man through the city streetsCredit: Callan Media – The Sun Glasgow
      Craig Johnston also chased the man alongside CallaghanCredit: Callan Media – The Sun Glasgow
      Police clocked the two 27-year-olds from Fife carrying out the assault and grabbed them as they tried to leg it.
      The semi-pros with the League One side had earlier pled guilty to assault causing harm and obstruction in Dublin City Centre on December 8, 2019.
      Imposing sentence today at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Orla Crowe said the injured man had been “attacked by two men who had no reason to come down a road after him”.
      The court was previously told there had been an altercation between the victim and a colleague of the two accused men at a Xico bar on Baggot Street.

      Judge Crowe noted there had been no prior interaction between the then 52-year-old victim and the two accused, and what had happened at the late bar had “nothing to do” with Callaghan and Johnston.
      Judge Crowe said this was a “shameful attack carried out by two people visiting this country” and the men had “involved themselves in a matter that was at an end”.
      She said the assault had serious consequences for the victim, which was an aggravating factor in this case.
      Defence counsel told the beak that the pair had brought €6,000 to court as a token of remorse, which the victim was willing to accept.
      Most read in Football
      Judge Crowe said she took into consideration as mitigation the fact that both men have no previous convictions for violence, are working and are talented footballers.
      She noted that both men are very remorseful and have travelled from Scotland to attend all court dates.
      She said Callaghan was the “more dominant” of the two men during the attack, having thrown the first punch, but Johnston joined in.
      She imposed a two-year prison sentence on both men. 
      Judge Crowe said in the circumstances, she would suspend the sentence in full on condition that both men keep the peace for two years.
      She also directed that the gesture of remorse from both men was to be handed over to the victim.
      Callaghan took the stand and apologised directly to the victim on his and Johnston’s behalf for what happened. 
      Character references from the defendants’ employers and Montrose FC were handed to the court.
      Both defendants have recently signed contract extensions with the Scottish club. 
      Read More on The Sun
      They had also lost a close friend in tragic circumstances in the months before this incident, although no details of that were revealed.
      We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at scoop@thesun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5200 More

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      Premier League international arrested for ‘rape’ has bail extended for a third time – leaving him free to play

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      A PREMIER League star arrested on suspicion of rape has had his bail extended until the summer.The footballer is accused of raping two women in separate attacks, one in June last year and one in April 2021.
      The footballer’s bail has been extended for a third timeCredit: Getty
      He had been due to answer police bail this month but this has now been extended for a third time until early July.
      The footballer, who was taken to the 2022 World Cup, was held last July after police swooped on a home in North London.
      His first alleged victim, in her 20s, claimed she was raped during a break in the Med in June.
      She fled the five-star resort she was staying in and flew home to her friends and family, it is said.
      Read more on the Premier League
      The woman is understood to have spoken to police on her return to the UK and showed photos she claimed highlighted bruising on her body after the alleged attack.
      After his initial arrest he was later re-arrested on suspicion of two more counts from April and June 2021.
      The June allegation was later dropped by police.
      The player has not been suspended by his club while the investigation is ongoing.
      Most read in Football
      Scotland Yard said previously: “On 4 July, an allegation of rape of a woman in her 20s was reported to police.
      “It was reported the alleged rape happened in June 2022.
      “While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that were alleged to have been committed in April and June of 2021 against a different woman in her 20s.
      “No further action will be taken in relation to the alleged offence in June 2021 because the relevant legislation had not yet come into effect at the time it is said to have occurred.
      “This has been explained to the complainant who continues to be supported by officers.” More

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      Newcastle star Joelinton ADMITS drink-driving after downing 2 glasses of wine – and gets fined a huge sum

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      NEWCASTLE star Joelinton has been slapped with a fine after he admitted drink-driving after sinking two glasses of wine.The midfielder, 26, was arrested on January 12 after being pulled over while in his £170,000 Mercedes Benz AMG G63.
      Joelinton today admitted drink-drivingCredit: PA
      Joelinton admitted to officers at the scene in Newcastle that he had drunk two glasses of wine earlier in the evening.
      A breathalyser test showed there was 43mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.
      The Brazilian admitted drink-driving at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court today.
      It comes less than 48 hours after he scored the winner in the Magpies’ Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton.
      Read more on the Magpies
      The star was banned from driving for 12 months – although this can be reduced to nine months if he completes a drink-driving course.
      Joelinton was also fined £29,000 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge – totalling £31,085.
      The court was told the footballer earns £43,000-a-week – meaning it will take less than a week to pay the fine.
      He issued a statement after the sentence apologising for his actions.
      Most read in Football
      Joelinton said: “Hi everyone, I wanted to acknowledge that I made a mistake and to publicly apologise to all the fans of Newcastle and all the people of this city. My actions unintentionally put other people in danger. For that, I am truly sorry.
      “I will learn the lessons from his incident and will do everything I can to be a role model for my family, for football and for society.”
      District Judge Paul Currer told Joelinton that he “sincerely hopes” he has learned from his mistake.
      He added: “This offending could, potentially, have had disastrous consequences for the lives of others, as well as yourself.”
      The court was told police had been sitting in an unmarked police car when their “attention was drawn” to a black Mercedes.
      Jonathan Stirland, prosecuting, said: “The sergeant formed the view that the car was speeding or going too fast for the road. It caused him [the sergeant] to turn his vehicle around and followed the Mercedes on to the Central Motorway.
      “He requested the vehicle to stop. The driver complied. While in a safe space, the officer spoke to the driver, who is the defendant before you today.”
      He admitted drinking the wine and was arrested after failing the breathalyser test.
      Geoffrey Forrester, defending, said the footballer was “utterly calm and compliant” and apologised for his antics.
      The lawyer added: “If he could turn back the clock, he would.”
      Joelinton was bought by Newcastle for £40million in 2019 from German side Hoffenheim.
      He has since become instrumental for the Premier League team.
      Manager Eddie Howe moved Joelinton from his position as centre-forward to a left-sided midfield role last season.
      Since then, the footballer has gone from strength-to-strength.
      Speaking about the player’s arrest, Howe said earlier this month: “It came as a shock. A difficult situation. Joe is very remorseful and was very upset. He knows the seriousness.
      “I can’t go into too much detail but he understands his responsibilities. We are supporting him but understand the situation.
      “‘Looking at Joe as a person, he is a very good professional and is hugely passionate about his career and the club. I was very much surprised by what happened.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We will back him and support him, while also educating him and helping him, that is important. He is very young, everyone makes mistakes. I think it is also important that we don’t overreact.”
      The footballer was pulled over by cops while in a MercedesCredit: PA
      Joelinton leaves court after pleading guilty to drink-drivingCredit: NNP
      Joelinton’s goal on Tuesday helped Newcastle win the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: Reuters
      The Brazilian defender was bought by Newcastle for £40million in 2019Credit: Getty More