-
Benjamin Mendy found not guilty on seven counts but faces retrial over two rape claims.
Benjamin Mendy was found not guilty on seven charges; however, the jury was unable to reach verdicts on two rape charges, so Mendy will have to stand trial again on those two crimes later this year.
But, the French footballer was declared NOT GUILTY of five counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and a second complaint of sexual assault.
After 14 days of deliberations at Chester Crown Court, Judge Steven Everett today released a jury comprised of seven men and four women.
The judge had first ordered them to rule unanimously on all 18 allegations against Mendy, 28, and his co-accused Louis Saha Matturie, 41.
Judge Everett stated on Wednesday, the 12th day of deliberations, that he would accept a majority ruling. However, the jury of 11 was unable to reach a verdict, prompting the judge to adjourn the trial, which began in the middle of August.
Addressing the jury, Judge Everett said: “It is not unusual that jurors don’t reach verdicts on some counts. You have to be true to your duty.” He excused them from any further jury duty for seven years.
Mendy, of Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, had denied all charges. He has been suspended without pay by Manchester City since first being charged in September of 2021.
RELATED:
- Benjamin Mendy Makes Shocking Disclosure as He takes the Stand in Court
- Pep Guardiola Testifies in the rape trial of Benjamin Mendy.
Matturie, of Eccles, Salford, has been found not guilty of three counts of rape relating to two teenagers. The jury were unable to reach verdicts on three additional rape counts and three allegations of sexual assault against him by five other women.
Four weeks into the trial, Mendy and Matturie were found not guilty of an additional count of rape against a 19-year-old woman after video evidence was produced in court that showed consensual intercourse taking place.
After the jury was discharged Matthew Conway, representing the prosecution, said that they would be seeking a retrial on the counts the jury could not reach verdicts on.
Mr Conway said: “The prosecution has made a decision. We have made a decision today, which is to proceed on these counts in two separate trials and we seek today a provisional case management.”
Two dates in the summer were discussed before the agreement was reached for the retrial to begin on June 26. It is expected to last two to three weeks.
Mr Matturie will be tried separately with his trial initially pencilled in for mid-September.
In a statement, Man City said: “Manchester City FC notes the verdict from Chester Crown Court today, where a jury has found Benjamin Mendy not guilty of seven charges. The jury is hung on two charges and the trial is now over.
“Given there are open matters related to this case, the Club is not in a position to comment further at this time.”