Why Benjamin Mendy faces retrial in court - The Athletic

Benjamin Mendy's retrial is set to commence at Chester Crown Court on Monday, June 26. The Manchester City and France defender has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of attempted rape involving two complainants.

In a previous trial, Mendy, 28, was acquitted of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. However, the jury could not reach a verdict on the two remaining allegations. Mendy's co-accused, Louis Saha Matturie, faces charges of eight counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault related to eight women between July 2012 and August 2021.

Matturie, Mendy's personal assistant, denied all charges and was found not guilty of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The jury was unable to reach verdicts on three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault, leading to a retrial for those charges.

Following the January verdicts, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced its intention to proceed with a retrial for the two outstanding counts of rape and attempted rape against Mendy.

Initially, Mendy was accused of eight counts of rape, one of attempted rape, and one sexual assault involving seven women between October 2018 and August 2021. He spent 134 days in custody before being released on bail in January 2022.

The trial, which began in August and concluded in mid-January, featured live testimony from some complainants, while others opted for pre-recorded cross-examinations. Mendy denied the allegations but admitted to drink-driving and hosting parties during the Covid-19 lockdown. Manchester City fined him £200,000 for the lockdown parties and withdrew his pay.

During the trial, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described Mendy as a "really good boy" and "so generous." Mendy's defense lawyer highlighted the impact of the accusations on his life. The trial lasted 37 days, with a juror being dismissed due to illness. The jury delivered unanimous not guilty verdicts on all charges.

Mendy's retrial date was set for June 26, with expectations that it will last between two and three weeks. His contract with Manchester City expires on June 30, and the club has confirmed his release. Mendy joined City from Monaco in a £52 million deal and played 75 matches for the club.