Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has been charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.
Janet Potter, the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
“All three counts relate to the same complainant.
“Specialist rape prosecutors from CPS North West’s complex casework unit authorised the charges following a review of a file of evidence received from Greater Manchester Police.
“The defendant’s first court appearance will take place on Monday 17 October at Greater Manchester magistrates’ court.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings.”
Manchester United also released a short statement which read: “Manchester United notes that criminal charges have been brought against Mason Greenwood by the Crown Prosecution Service. He remains suspended by the club, pending the outcome of the judicial process.”
The England international was originally arrested in January on suspicion of rape and assault and has been suspended from matches and training by his club ever since.
Greenwood had not previously been charged but Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed in a statement on Saturday 15 October that a 21-year-old had been arrested for allegedly breaching bail conditions.
GMP said they were “aware of an allegation regarding a 21-year-old man breaching his bail conditions and an arrest has been made on Saturday”.
They added that “enquiries are ongoing at this time”.