Charges dropped against Mason Greenwood

Manchester United midfielder Mason Greenwood, 21, said he was “relieved” after all charges against him were dropped following “withdrawal of key witnesses”.

Greenwood faced one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behavior, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The charges all related to the same woman, who Greenwood had been dating.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said in a statement that it had “duty to stop the case” following the “withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”.

They went on to say that recent developments meant that there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction” and it has “explained” the decision “to all parties”.

Greenwood released a short statement saying “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.”

Manchester United said it had “noted” the CPS’s decision, adding: “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the decision to drop the charges had “not been taken lightly”.

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s head of public protection, said it was “only fair” that the force publicised the latest development given the “significant media coverage of this case”.

She 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.”

The investigation commenced in January 2022.  Greenwood’s trial had originally been penciled in for November 2023.