Police 'deliberately ignored Mason Greenwood's bail violations during ... trends now
Police 'deliberately ignored Mason Greenwood's bail violations during investigation', it has been claimed.
The charges against the Manchester United footballer, for attempted rape and assault, were dropped following the 'withdrawal of key witnesses'.
Now the criminal investigation has ended, the Evening Standard reported that Greenwood breached a condition of his bail not to contact the alleged victim in the case.
Greenwood's lawyer admitted the breach had taken place at the footballer's first court appearance in October and said that it was 'no secret' to police.
While Manchester United said t\Greenwood would not play or train while they conduct their own internal investigation.
Greenwood was charged in October 2022 but this afternoon a decision was made to discontinue prosecution in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors
A condition of the footballer's bail was not to contact the alleged victim in the case, but he was arrested in October after breaching this term.
The Evening Standard reported that Greenwood's lawyer, David Toal, admitted the breach had taken place, but added that it was 'no secret' to Greater Manchester Police and that contact had taken place for 'many months'.
He argued that the breaches had been tacitly approved.
District Judge Mark Hadfield said: 'What I am being told is the defendant flagrantly breached the conditions over weeks or even months and police haven't done anything about it.'
He insisted: 'If they suspected breaches of bail, the police should be doing something about it but haven't – why not?.'
Greenwood was denied bail for two days in October before being released.
Earlier today the 21-year-old broke his silence and released a statement.
He said: 'I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.
'There will be no further comment at this time.'
Forward Mason Greenwood, 21, was arrested in January and immediately suspended by Manchester United
Manchester United also released a statement saying the club 'Notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped. The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.'
Greenwood was charged in October 2022 but this afternoon a decision was made by the CPS to discontinue
