Man City's Benjamin Mendy's rape trial set for July
Manchester City and France international footballer Benjamin Mendy (centre) leaves after a pre-trial hearing at Chester Crown Court in Chester, northwest England, on February 2, 2022. Mendy, who has been charged with seven counts of rape, was freed on bail last month with "stringent" conditions, including the surrender of his passport. Mendy, who is accused by five women of seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault, has been in custody since being arrested and charged on August 26 last year.
What you need to know:
- Mendy joined Manchester City from French club Monaco in 2017. He has played 75 times for City, but his playing time has been limited by injuries and a loss of form.
- The last of his 10 caps for France came in November 2019, after the defender won the World Cup in 2018.
Chester
Manchester City and France international footballer Benjamin Mendy will face trial in July for the alleged rape and assault of six women, a court heard Wednesday.
The 27-year-old, who has been suspended by his club, appeared in the dock at Chester Crown Court where he faced a new count of attempted rape.
Mendy now faces nine charges in all, including seven counts of rape, involving six alleged victims.
Judge Patrick Thompson set July 25 as the trial date for Mendy and his co-defendant, Louis Saha Matturie. A French interpreter sat between the two men, and Mendy spoke only to confirm his identity.
The trial is expected to last up to six weeks. Thompson scheduled another pre-trial hearing for March 11.
Both men were given bail last month, after they had been held in custody since their arrests in August.
Mendy joined Manchester City from French club Monaco in 2017. He has played 75 times for City, but his playing time has been limited by injuries and a loss of form.
The last of his 10 caps for France came in November 2019, after the defender won the World Cup in 2018.
