Benjamin Mendy Breaks Down In Tears As He Is Cleared Of Rape and Attempted Rape Charges

Chester Crown Court witnessed an emotional scene today as Benjamin Mendy, the former Manchester City player, wept upon being cleared of rape and attempted rape charges.

The jury deliberated for three hours before delivering their verdict, bringing an end to Mendy’s retrial. The 28-year-old French international full-back had faced these charges in relation to alleged incidents that occurred during lockdown-busting parties. Mendy, who is currently without a club after his Manchester City contract expired in June, is now a free man.

This recent trial marked the second time that Mendy faced charges related to sexual assault, following a court case in January where he was acquitted of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Mendy’s emotional reaction to the verdict highlighted the toll the investigation and legal process had taken on him. His lawyers expressed his gratitude towards the jury for focusing on the evidence presented during the trial, rather than the rumors and innuendo surrounding the case.

Jenny Wiltshire, Head of Serious & General Crime at Hickman & Rose, stated that Mendy intends to rebuild his life and potentially make a return to top-flight football. Wiltshire acknowledged the impact the lengthy investigation had on Mendy, who had remained resolute throughout the process.

The footballer expressed his appreciation to all those who supported him during this challenging ordeal and requested privacy as he begins to move forward.

During the trial, Mendy vehemently denied being a “sexual predator” and rejected the allegations of the two sex assaults. The first incident was said to have occurred in October 2018 at Mendy’s mansion in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, where he was accused of attempting to rape a 29-year-old woman. The second incident involved the rape of a 24-year-old woman at the same property two years later.

The first alleged victim initially met Mendy at a nightclub in Barcelona in October 2017, where she had become involved with Mendy’s friend, Diacko Fofana, another French footballer. After keeping in touch with Fofana, she later visited Mendy’s mansion, where the alleged assault took place.

Mendy asserted that any sexual interaction between them was consensual, while the woman claimed he attempted to rape her. The second woman came into contact with Mendy at a bar in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, in October 2020. She accused Mendy of rape after he allegedly locked her in his bedroom and coerced her into sexual activity.

Throughout the trial, both the prosecution and defense presented their respective arguments. Benjamin Aina KC, the prosecutor, portrayed Mendy as someone accustomed to women accepting his advances due to his wealth and social status.

Aina emphasized Mendy’s alleged appetite for control and disregard for consent. Eleanor Laws KC, Mendy’s defense lawyer, refuted these claims and urged the jury to focus on the evidence rather than making moral judgments about Mendy’s lifestyle. Laws argued that the accusers’ accounts contained inconsistencies and falsehoods, asserting that Mendy was not a sexual predator.

This retrial marked the culmination of a lengthy legal process for Mendy, who was previously acquitted of similar charges in January. In total, he has now been acquitted of eight counts of rape, one attempted rape, and one sexual assault against seven women following the two trials. The verdict brings both relief and an opportunity for Benjamin Mendy to rebuild his life and potentially return to professional football.