03 February 2023 , 09:44
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A judge has questioned why police deliberately ignored breaches of bail by Mason Greenwood.
The Manchester United player had been under a criminal investigation after being arrested last January. The accused faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault in October 2022, but they have since been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
At Greenwood's first court appearance it was revealed that he breached his bail by contacting the alleged victim in the case. Prosecutor Rebecca Macaulay-Addison told the magistrates court hearing in October: “He was arrested on Saturday morning for breaching his police conditional bail. He was found in the company of the complainant.”
Greenwood’s lawyer, David Toal, admitted the breach had taken place, saying: “I absolutely concede it is his responsibility to abide by all bail conditions imposed.” He also added: “Contact has occurred for many months" but maintained it was “no secret” to Greater Manchester Police.
District Judge Mark Hadfield responded by saying: “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.”
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He underlined his point by adding: “If they suspected breaches of bail, the police should be doing something about it but haven’t – why not? What’s the point of someone being on bail conditions if the police don’t enforce them?”
Man Utd are conducting their own investigation into the player's conduct (AFP via Getty Images)The judge denied Greenwood bail at the hearing on October 17 2022, and remanded him in custody, but the decision was overturned on appeal two days later, at a private hearing at Manchester Minshull Street crown court.
Greenwood has spoken following the charges being dropped and has 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."
He will not return immediately to duties at Old Trafford however with his club, United, who have continued to pay him in full despite suspending him, stating they will conduct their own investigation before deciding on their next steps.
A statement read: "Manchester United 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. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete."