[News] Update: Footballer Benjamin Mendy’s rape trial will begin today with footballer accused of sex attacks on seven young women

The trial of Benjamin Mendy will begin today with the footballer accused of sex attacks on seven young women.

The Manchester City defender, 28, denies charges of eight counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and one count of sexual assault.

The Premier League star and France international is alleged to have committed the offences against the women between October 2018 and August 2021 at his home address.

Mendy will go on trial along with his co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, 40, who has also entered not guilty pleas to all charges he faces.

Matturie of Eccles, Salford, denies eight counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault, relating to eight young women. The alleged offences span July 2012 to August 2021.

Last week, the names of footballers Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez, and John Stones, all either current or ex- Manchester City players, were read to jurors ahead of the trial, to ensure no jurors had any personal connection to anyone who could be referred to during the trial, or be called as a witness.

Judge Steven Everett, Recorder of Chester, told the jury last week: ‘Maybe you have heard their names. Some of you will be aware of the fact Mr Mendy is a professional footballer who plays football for Manchester City.’

Both defendants are on bail and the trial is expected to last up to 15 weeks.

None of the women who have made the allegations involved can be identified and reporting restrictions apply ahead of the trial.

Timothy Cray QC is expected to open the case for the prosecution before the jury at Chester Crown Court today.

Eight men and six women were sworn in to serve on the jury, including two jurors who will be discharged after the opening of the case.
Mendy has played for Manchester City since 2017, when he joined from Monaco for a reported £52 million. He was suspended by the club after being charged by police.

Judge Steven also told the jury: ‘There are 22 counts or charges, if you are feeling overwhelmed by that, I can assure you will be having a lot of assistance on how you will approach that.

‘Don’t feel daunted or overwhelmed by that. This trial could go through to November.’