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Benjamin Mendy found not guilty of rape charges: second trial ends in acquittal.
Former Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy has been acquitted of rape and attempted rape charges by a jury at Chester Crown Court in England.
The high-profile trial, which lasted several weeks, concluded with Mendy being found not guilty by a jury consisting of six men and six women.
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Mendy had faced allegations of raping a 24-year-old woman in a bedroom at his home in Cheshire in October 2020.
Additionally, he was charged with the attempted rape of a 29-year-old woman at his residence two years prior.
Mendy consistently denied both charges, asserting that the encounters were consensual.
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According to Sky Sports, Mendy had faced similar sexual offense allegations from multiple women, but the jury had been unable to reach verdicts on those charges.
However, at his retrial, the prosecutors argued that Mendy would often host parties and social gatherings at his home, known as The Spinney, while he was under contract with Manchester City.
During the trial, it was revealed that Mendy had met a British student in a nightclub in Barcelona back in 2017.
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The woman developed a close relationship with one of Mendy's friends and later arranged to visit the footballer at his home the following year.
She alleged that Mendy attempted to rape her after a night out. In his defense, Mendy stated that he had asked for consent and when she declined, he respected her decision and left the room.
Another woman, who was out with friends near Mendy's residence, claimed that he took her phone and led her to a locked bedroom, where she alleged he raped her.
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However, Mendy told the jury that their encounter was consensual and even exchanged contact details with the woman afterward.
Throughout the trial, Mendy maintained his innocence and vehemently denied any wrongdoing. When asked if he had forced the woman onto the bed or held her down, he firmly responded, "No." He made it clear to the jury, "I will never force to have sex with a woman."
The outcome of the trial brings relief and closure to Mendy, who was once the Premier League's most expensive defender after Manchester City acquired him from Monaco for £52 million in 2017.
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Mendy played a pivotal role in City's success, winning three league titles and being part of the French squad that triumphed in the 2018 World Cup.
However, the club decided not to renew his contract, and Mendy left the team at the end of June.
Following the verdict, Mendy's solicitor, Jenny Wiltshire, released a statement expressing gratitude to the jury for focusing on the evidence presented during the trial rather than the rumors and speculation that have surrounded the case since its inception.
Wiltshire said, "Benjamin Mendy would like to thank the members of the jury for reaching the correct verdict. This is the second time Mr. Mendy has been tried and found not guilty, and he is delighted with the outcome."
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