Accused of seven rapes and a sexual assault in England, the French international footballer
Benjamin mendy had been in pre-trial detention since the end of August. During the holidays, he was transferred to Strangeways prison in Manchester, known for housing violent inmates but also for having seen other footballers in the past.
The trial postponed until the summer
Judge Patrick Thompson ruled during a hearing in Chester Crown Court to release the 27-year-old on bail and place him under judicial review, pending his trial, postponed to the summer (June 27 or August 1) after having been initially scheduled for January 24. However, another preliminary hearing was held on that date, where his release will be reviewed.
The case started at the end of August when the Manchester City club announced the player’s suspension without further explanation. English justice then quickly announced that the player had been remanded in custody after being accused of four rapes – including one committed a few days earlier, while on parole – and sexual assault, by three women including a minor. These first events are said to have taken place at his home in Prestbury, Cheshire.
Other accusations followed, for facts taking place between October 2020 and August 2021. Benjamin Mendy, if he pleads not guilty, risks the
prison in perpetuity in this matter.