FOOTIE 'RAPIST'
Man City star Benjamin Mendy faces spending Christmas in jail as he awaits trial over rape charges
FOOTBALL star Benjamin Mendy faces spending Christmas in prison while awaiting his trial over four rape allegations.
The Manchester City defender sat expressionless in court yesterday as he was told he would stand trial in January.
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Mendy, 27, is charged with four counts of rape and one of sexual assault.
The £52million France international appeared at Chester crown court for a preliminary hearing before the Recorder of Chester Steven Everett.
Mendy — dressed in a cream jumper and cream leisure trousers — sat in the glass-panelled dock with his arms folded as he followed the hearing with the help of an interpreter.
He spoke only to confirm his name to the clerk of the court during the 45-minute hearing.
Mendy had been brought to prison in a security van and hid his head between his legs to try to prevent photographers getting a picture of him.
The five charges against him relate to three people aged over 16 and are alleged to have taken place between October last year and August this year at his home in Prestbury, Cheshire.
BENJAMIN MENDY LATEST
He is charged with three counts of rape against one alleged victim in October, one charge of sexual touching against a second alleged victim in January and one charge of rape against a third alleged victim in August.
Mendy appeared alongside Louis Saha Matturie, 40, who is charged with four counts of rape relating to three complainants over the age of 16 between April and August.
Matturie, of Eccles, Greater Manchester, was described as a “runner” for Mendy when he made his first court appearance on Monday.
Yesterday’s hearing dealt with administrative matters and Recorder Everett fixed a trial date for January 24.
Eleanor Laws QC, representing Mendy, said she would be making an application to dismiss the charges against the footballer.
A date was fixed for November 15, when there will also be a pre-trial preparation hearing.
The judge told both defendants they would be remanded in custody until the next hearing.
Mendy, who joined City in 2017 from Monaco earns about £100,000 a week.
Since joining the Blues, he has won the Premier League three times, two League Cups and the Community Shield, despite making just 50 appearances for the club.
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