Benjamin Mendy cleared of sex attacks on four women, but faces retrial over two other allegations

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Benjamin Mendy cleared of sex attacks on four women, but faces retrial over two other allegationsUK > CrimeManchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been found not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to four young women or teenagers, but jurors could not reach verdicts on Mendy's alleged attempted rape of a woman in 2018 and the rape of another woman in October 2020. Prosecutors have sought a retrial over the two other allegations. Mendy's co-accused, Louis Saha Matturie, was found not guilty by the jury of three counts of rape relating to two teenagers.

What's happened

Why it matters

The case has been widely reported due to the high profile of the defendant, who is a Premier League footballer. The verdicts have been closely watched as they relate to serious allegations of sexual assault and rape. The case highlights the importance of consent and the need for justice to be served in cases of sexual assault.

What the papers say

The Independent, Euronews, Sky News

How we got here

Benjamin Mendy and Louis Saha Matturie have been on trial at Chester Crown Court since August 2022. The verdicts were delivered on Wednesday by the seven men and four women on the jury, one juror having been discharged earlier for medical reasons. After 14 days of deliberation, jurors could not reach verdicts on Mendy's alleged attempted rape of a woman in 2018 and the rape of another woman in October 2020. Prosecutors have sought a retrial over the two other allegations.