Mason Greenwood ‘relieved’ after attempted rape and assault charges dropped

Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood said he was “relieved” after charges of attempted rape and assault against him were dropped.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that has come to light were factors in the decision to drop the 21-year-old’s case.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it was “only fair” that Greenwood would no longer be prosecuted but urged all potential victims of crime not to “let this case stop you from asking for help”. .

Greenwood originally faced one charge of attempted rape, one charge of controlling and coercing behavior, and one charge of assault, all against the same complainant.

In a brief statement released on behalf of Greenwood after the charges were dropped, he said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support .

“There will be no further comment at this time.”

The PA news agency understands Greenwood will not return to play or training while United conduct their own internal investigation.

A statement from the club said: “Manchester United takes note of the prosecutors’ decision to drop all charges against Mason Greenwood.

“The club will now conduct its own process before determining the next steps. We will have no further comment until this process is complete.”

In its statement confirming the case was dropped, the CPS said: “We have a duty to review cases on an ongoing basis.

“In this case, a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light meant that there was no longer a realistic prospect of a conviction. In these circumstances, we are obliged to close the case.

“We have explained our decision to all parties.

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

Greenwood, who was once capped for England, was first held in January on allegations involving a young woman after pictures and videos were posted online.

Within hours of the allegations surfaced, Greenwood was suspended from playing or coaching at the Old Trafford club.

Nike suspended and later terminated its sponsorship deal with Greenwood, while Electronic Arts confirmed its removal from active rosters for its Fifa 22 game.

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s head of public protection, said: “Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man who has been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022 will no longer be prosecuted in this regard.

“The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the Legal Department, provided important updates and therefore understands the reasons for closing the case at this stage and that this decision was not taken lightly.”

Ms Kerr said an “increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training” and the force is more consistently using tools to keep people safe and care for victims.

“If you think you are or could be a victim, please don’t let this case stop you from asking for help,” she added.