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A Premier League footballer was today remanded in custody after facing charges of sexual attacks on two women and one teenage girl at his £5 million home.
Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City has been charged with four counts of rape – the latest of which allegedly happened earlier this week – and one sexual assault.
Mendy, 27, who moved to the reigning champions for £52 million four years ago, is accused of committing the fourth rape while on bail for the other four offences.
The French defender, who was suspended by Manchester City this week after being charged, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court today to face the allegations.
Mendy, of Prestbury, Cheshire, wearing a red Balenciaga hoodie and black jogging bottoms, stood in the dock with his arms folded as the charges were put to him. He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth and entered no pleas.
The footballer, who had arrived at court in a prison van under a police escort, faces five charges relating to three alleged complainants, one of whom is aged under 18. Police said yesterday that all three complainants were aged over 16. Proceedings at the court today were relayed back to the France international via an interpreter.
Mendy earns £90 000 a week and lives in a £5 million mansion in Prestbury, an upmarket village near Manchester popular with fellow players.
He is charged with three counts of rape in October 2020 at his home in Prestbury, and the sexual assault of a woman at his home in early January this year. Mendy is also charged with the rape of a woman this month, also at his home.
A charge of breaking bail conditions was on the court list but withdrawn in court. It had been alleged he breached conditions in August, after being released on July 26.
Fourteen reporters were in court for the hearing, which was delayed for the arrival of the French interpreter.
District Judge Jack McGarva sent the case to Chester Crown Court where Mendy is due to appear on September 10.
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, and was taken away in a prison van as photographers took pictures of him through the windows. — The Sun
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