Benjamin Mendy’s nightmare is over. Recall that in January Chester Crown Court cleared a Frenchman of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. Then, after fourteen days of deliberation, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on one more rape charge and another on attempted rape. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that it would seek a new trial on the other two charges.
The last chapter of this case took place on Friday. It took a 12-member jury more than three hours to clear the footballer of the latter charges. The 28-year-old can thus begin a new phase in his life. As we read in “L’Equipe” after hearing the verdict “he burst into tears”.
After leaving the court building, he said only “Glory to God” to the numerous journalists gathered. He was asked about the sporting future, but he didn’t answer once. One of his lawyers, Jenny Wiltshire, took the floor.
Benjamin Mendy cleared of all charges. “He is delighted”
Benjamin would like to thank the members of the jury for focusing on the evidence in this trial rather than the rumors and insinuations that have accompanied this case from the beginning. This is the second time he has been tried and found not guilty by a jury. He is delighted that both juries reached the correct verdicts, she said.
It’s been almost three years since the police started investigating the case. Benjamin tried to stay strong, but the procedure inevitably had a severe effect on him. He thanks everyone who supported him in this ordeal and now asks for his privacy to be respected so he can start rebuilding his life
~ Jenny Wiltshire, one of Benjamin Mendy’s lawyers
On 26 August 2021, Manchester City suspended Mendy from his player’s rights. The left defender’s contract with “Citizens” expired on June 30. The English club released a statement in January saying: “Manchester City FC notes the verdict at Chester Crown Court, where the jury found Benjamin Mendy not guilty on seven counts. On two counts, the jury is undecided and the trial is pending. The club is therefore unable to comment at this time.”
Despite the fact that the contract between the two sides has expired, will the English champions speak out for the complete exoneration of their former player? In the first hours after the court decision, they did not publish any statement.
