Back in October, Greenwood was remanded in custody after appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.
It was later confirmed that Mason Greenwood had avoided an immediate stint in jail after being released on bail in a private hearing.
He was set to face trial in November 2023.
However, a decision on Thursday was made to discontinue prosecution in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
It’s been revealed that the withdrawal of witness, new material, and presumably insufficient evidence all played a part in the charges being withdrawn.
A CPS spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review. In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
“We have explained our decision to all parties. We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
On 21 November, Greenwood, appeared before a judge at his latest court hearing, with the case adjourned until 10 February. However, this scheduled hearing will no longer take place.
This came after it was confirmed – towards the end of last year – that the “CPS has authorised GMP to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling + coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. All 3 counts relate to same complainant.”
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection has now provided more details on the decision for charges to be dropped.
“Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this.
“The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.”
READ | MASON GREENWOOD NOW RELEASED ON BAIL
GREENWOOD STILL FACES THE POSSIBILITY OF HIS UNITED CONTRACT BEING TORN UP
Greenwood has remained under ongoing investigation for the better part of the last year, and he has not spoken publicly since damning social media posts came to light on the Instagram account of his former girlfriend Harriet Robson.
During this time, he has still apparently received salary payments from United, with the club stating that they would allow the police investigation to unfold.
Increasingly it appeared that his future with Manchester United would be viewed as untenable, but it now remains to be seen what stance the club will take.
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