Benjamin Mendy had to appear at Chester Crown Court to face a new accusation of attempted rape, brought by a sixth alleged victim.
The Manchester City left-back has a total of nine charges brought against him by six different women: three charges for attempted rape on October 11, 2020; one for sexual contact on January 2, 2021; and four more for rape – two on July 24 and another two on August 23 – to which this new complaint for attempted rape has been added.
Mendy was suspended by Manchester City when he was first charged by police, and he was then released on bail on January 7, a situation he will remain in until July 25, when his trial will take place.
His trial could last up to six weeks. For now, on March 11, Mendy will return to the Chester court for a first pre-trial hearing.
Chester Crown Court must now determine whether or not the defendants will be able to testify by video rather than in person during this trial, as several have already requested, due to their potential vulnerability.
Mendy’s co-defendant, Louis Saha Matturie, 40, will also appear in court.
