The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have dropped the case of attempted rape charges against Manchester United youngster and England international footballer, Mason Greenwood.
According to the Guardian, the proceeding could no longer continue as The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that key witnesses have withdrawn their support and cooperation to aid the investigation.
The 21-year-old United striker was arrested and charged with attempted rape January 2022 and ever since then, investigations have been launched into the case.
Greenwood, who had featured for England on international duties denied the charges and had been preparing to go on trial later this year until the CPS dropped the case on Thursday, per the Guardian.
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.”
Furthermore, Greater Manchester Police’s head of public protection, Ch Supt Michaela Kerr said it was right to let the public know of the latest development on the case noting that all charges have been dropped against the 21-year-old football star.
He said, “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.”