Manchester City star Benjamin Mendy appears in court as rape trial begins
A court was told today that Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy allegedly raped a woman while he was on bail, accused of four other sex offences.
Mendy, 27, was remanded in custody after appearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court today. He was charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The French international, wearing a red Balenciaga hoodie and black tracksuit bottoms, stood in the dock with his arms folded as the charges were put to him.
The alleged attacks, on three different women including one under 18, are said to have happened at his home address on Withinlee Road in Prestbury, Cheshire.
Mendy is charged with three counts of rape in October 2020 and with the sexual assault of a woman in early January this year. He is also charged with raping a woman earlier this month.
Bail
A charge of breaking bail conditions appeared on the court list but was withdrawn in court. It had been alleged he breached conditions in August, after being released on 26 July.
Fourteen reporters were in court for the hearing, which was delayed for the arrival of a French interpreter.
Mendy spoke to confirm his name, age and address and was represented by barrister Christopher Stables.
District Judge Jack McGarva sent the case to Chester Crown Court where Mendy is due to appear on 10 September.
Mendy showed no emotion as he was taken from the court accompanied by two dock officers at the end of the hearing, which lasted about an hour. He has been remanded into custody at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool.
The left-back has played for Manchester City since 2017, when he joined from Monaco for a reported £52m. He was suspended by the club after being charged by police, pending an investigation.