Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy allowed to skip pre-trial hearing

Mendy has been accused of nine charges, including eight counts of rape

Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy was allowed to skip his latest court hearing on Thursday ahead of his upcoming trial for a series of alleged sex crimes. Mendy is facing nine charges - including eight counts of rape - involving six alleged victims and is set to stand trial on July 25. The 27-year-old initially faced seven rape charges and one count of sexual assault, but a new rape charge was added earlier this year relating to an incident said to have happened while he was on police bail in August 2021. The Frenchman - who is currently suspended by his club - will stand trial alongside co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, 40, who faces similar allegations. Matturie of Eccles, Salford, is accused of 10 offences involving seven different women. They include seven counts of rape. Both defendants, who are on bail, were excused from the hearing on Thursday. It related to administrative and evidential matters that cannot be reported, according to the Daily Mail. Mendy was released on bail in January after four months in prison. The footballer was previously held at HMP Altcourse, Liverpool, before being transferred to HMP Manchester before the new year.

A further pre-trial hearing for both defendants is listed for May 23.

Related links:

• Benjamin Mendy accused of nine offences relating to six women
• Benjamin Mendy freed on bail after appearing in court charged with seven counts of rape
• Benjamin Mendy moved to tougher prison due to ‘safety fears’