Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy has been suspended by the club and held in custody since last August, as he is currently accused of seven counts of rape.
Now, UK prison authorities have granted his motion to a high-security prison amid fears of the French full-back’s personal safety.
As reported by The Sun, Mendy was switched to one of the toughest prisons in the UK on December 23, meaning he spent Christmas at the HMP Prison in Manchester, commonly known as Strangeways.
“Both Mendy and [co-defendant Louis Saha] Matturie have been moved because their case is so high profile,” a source told The Sun.
“That can lead to safety and prisoner management issues and it was felt Category A conditions might be better equipped to deal with any potential issues.
“The Prison Service has a responsibility to manage prisoners in the safest way possible.”
Three failed bail requests
Mendy was reportedly in shock when he saw his new cell for the first time, as he initially though that he would be sent to a “VIP part” of the prison, instead of the VP wing – where prisoners who are protected from potential attacks are being held.
The Frenchman has been held in custody since August 27 and he has filed three requests for bail, but none of them have been successful.
Mendy is currently accused of eight offences against five different women, including seven counts of rape relating to four women.
