What were the charges against Mason Greenwood and why have they been dropped?
THE Crown Prosecution has today confirmed all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
The 21-year-old Manchester United striker was first arrested amid allegations after images and videos emerged online.
What were the charges against Mason Greenwood?
Mason Greenwood was accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
The footballer was accused of "repeatedly engaging" in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years.
This included making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
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He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
When was Mason Greenwood arrested?
Greenwood was first arrested in January 2022, after police swooped in on his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford.
He was originally remanded in custody after and spent three nights there, before being charged by police on October 15.
However, a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
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The 21-year-old was then due to stand trial in November.
He was also suspended from Man Utd, but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
Why were the charges dropped against Mason Greenwood?
The CPS said that their decision to drop the charges was made with the case under "continuous review".
They also said the decision was made in accordance with the .
Speaking on the case, a CPS spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
“In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
"In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case. We have explained our decision to all parties.
“We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, 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.
“I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
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"An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”