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was alleged to have occurred in August after he was released on 26 July – also appeared on the court list, but this was withdrawn in court.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.”
Featured Image – Manchester City
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Police urgently appeal for footage after fatal stabbing in Moss Side
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal for footage in their ongoing investigation into a fatal stabbing in Moss Side last week.
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are appealing for information – and in particular, mobile phone footage – as they continue to investigate the murder of 34-year-old father of three, Adrian Brown, who died following a stabbing in Moss Side last Friday (8 May).
Police were called to Raby Street in Moss Side at around 11pm last Friday to reports of a serious assault.
Mr Brown was found with stab wounds to the chest, and was rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died from his injuries.
An 18‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of murder the following day (Saturday 9 May) and remains in custody. A second man, aged 26, has also been arrested on suspicion of murder, while two men, aged 25 and 38, and a 26‑year‑old woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
With the police investigation now progressing at pace, officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have captured mobile phone footage at any point during the evening – particularly in or around the West Indian Sports and Social Club on Westwood Street.
Adrian had been attending an event at the club that evening, before at around 11pm, he was assaulted just outside the front entrance.
“There were around 200 people at the club that night, and we believe some of those present may have information that could help us understand what happened,” commented Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson.
“This could include eyewitness accounts, or photos and videos taken throughout the evening.
“I appreciate that speaking to police can feel daunting, but anyone with footage can upload it anonymously through our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal.”
Anyone with information or footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 2270 or 101, quoting log 4069 of 08/05/26, or uploading to the MIPP online here.
Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Police confirm man was arrested ‘on suspicion of making an explosive device’ in Gay Village
Daisy Jackson
Police have confirmed that the man who was detained in the midst of an incident in the Gay Village yesterday was arrested on suspicion of making an ‘explosive device’.
A huge cordon was in place in the Canal Street area in the city centre on Monday 11 May, after members of the public reported a ‘chemical smell’ coming from a hotel at around 10.45am.
Emergency services attended the scene and found chemical substances in a hotel room.
The man, who was believed to be the occupant of the hotel room, was detained at the scene.
Greater Manchester Police have since confirmed that he was ‘detained on suspicion of making an explosive device’ and was taken into custody for questioning.
In an update shared yesterday, they wrote: “The response to the incident on Canal Street in Manchester city centre is being reduced following reports of chemical substances being found.
“Emergency services examined items within a room inside a hotel following calls from the public at about 10:45am.
“A man, believed to be the occupant of the room, was detained on suspicion of making an explosive device and is currently in custody being questioned.
“Chemical substances found in the room have been examined and are in the process of being safely removed. The subsequent examination ruled out any explosive risk.
“We are working with the hotel management to return the establishment to normal after staff and guests were evacuated as a precaution.
“Staff from the fire service’s Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection team remain in attendance to conduct tests and ensure the area is safe.
“We would like to thank the public and surrounding businesses for their patience as we continue with our work.”
The Manc -
1st September 2021 
