News

Mason Greenwood says he feels ‘relieved’ after all attempted rape and assault charges are dropped

Emily Sergeant - 3rd February 2023

Mason Greenwood has said he feels “relieved” after all attempted rape and assault charges against him were dropped yesterday.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced yesterday that all criminal charges against the 21-year-old Manchester United forward had been dropped following the “withdrawal of key witnesses”.

The CPS said it had a “duty to stop the case” after “new material that came to light”.

Those developments meant there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”, and the CPS confirmed that it has “explained [this decision] to all parties”.

People who allege they are victims of sexual offences receive lifelong anonymity.

It is a criminal offence to publish a complainant's identity or any information that might lead to the complainant being identified.
— Crown Prosecution Service (@CPSUK) February 2, 2023

Yesterday’s announcement comes after GMP confirmed back in January 2022 that “a man in his 20s” had been arrested on suspicion of rape, assault, and a threat to kill after allegations were made a woman on social media.

The controlling and coercive behaviour related to a period between November 2018 and October 2022, where Greenwood was alleged to have made threatening and derogatory comments towards the complainant, as well as accessing and monitoring her social media accounts, while the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm was from December 2021.

The attempted rape was alleged to have happened in October 2021.

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said in a statement yesterday that the police force felt it was “only fair” that it shares the news of all charges against Greenwood been dropped “given the significant media coverage of this case”.

GMP said the decision to drop the charges had “not been taken lightly”, and that it has “decided not to comment on it in any further detail”, despite the media and public’s “interest” in the case.

Criminal proceedings against a 21-year-old man in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022 have, today (Thursday 2 February 2023), been discontinued by the CPS.

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said:… (1/7) pic.twitter.com/VOp9n527Kw
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) February 2, 2023

Greenwood has now spoken out following the decision.

The footballer said in a short statement issued yesterday: “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.”

Once the news of the allegations initially broke on social media back in early 2022, and GMP confirmed the arrest, Manchester United said in a statement released at the time that Greenwood would not return to training or play matches “until further notice”.

Now, following yesterday’s announcement, the club said it had “noted” the CPS’s decision.

United added in a statement that: “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps [and] we will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”

Many will also remember that Nike also notably suspended its sponsorship relationship with Greenwood, with the brand saying at the time that it was “deeply concerned” about the allegations, and EA too removed Greenwood from active squads on its FIFA games.

Both companies are yet to address the decision.

Following the announcement of the CPS’s decision yesterday, GMP and CS Kerr did however appeal to people who felt they were, or might have been, a victim, and reiterated the police force’s “commitment” to investigating “allegations of violence against women and girls”.

CS Kerr continued: “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.”

Rape and Sexual Assault Support Centres in Greater Manchester

St. Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre Manchester – Provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – A confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Survivors Manchester – Provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Featured Image – Manchester United