Manchester City star charged with rape has reportedly had “a meltdown” inside after thinking he would be sent to a VIP wing.
It was confirmed by police on Thursday that Benjamin Mendy had been charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
He was then remanded at Chester Magistrates’ court on Friday.
It has been reported that the footballer believed he would be allowed home after appearing in Chester Magistrates’ court, but was in shock when he was instead sent to HMP Altcourse – a Category A/B mens prison in Liverpool.
The Mirror reports that upon arrival at HMP Altcourse, Mendy was informed that he would be kept on the VP wing for vulnerable prisoners – but an exclusive report by The Sun claims that Mendy misheard and assumed that meant he would be taken to a VIP wing for celebrity figures.
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He was apparently in dismay when he realised that was not the case.
The 27-year-old left-back – who has played for Manchester City since 2017, joining from Monaco for a reported £52 million – is charged with three counts of rape in October 2020 and with the sexual assault of a woman in early January this year.
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He is also charged with raping a woman earlier this month.
Mendy was informed that he would be kept on the VP wing for vulnerable prisoners / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A charge of breaking bail conditions – which was alleged to have occurred in August after he was released on 26 July – also appeared on the court list, but this was withdrawn in court.
It was revealed that fourteen reporters were in court for the hearing on Friday, where Mendy was represented by barrister Christopher Stables and he spoke to confirm his name, age and address.
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During the hearing – which was said to have lasted about an hour – Mendy was represented by barrister Christopher Stables, and spoke to confirm his name, age and address, before being taken from the court accompanied by two dock officers and showing “no emotion” as he left.
District Judge Jack McGarva sent the case to Chester Crown Court, where Mendy is due to appear on 10 September.
Mendy was suspended by Manchester City on Thursday after being charged by police, pending an investigation, and the club said in a statement: “Manchester City can confirm that following his being charged by police today, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation.
“The matter is subject to a legal process and the Club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete.”
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
1st September 2021 
