Benjamin Mendy found not guilty of rape and attempted rape

Benjamin Mendy has been cleared of raping a woman at his mansion following a retrial.

The 28-year-old, who was released by Manchester City last month, wept today as he was found not guilty of rape and attempted rape.

He was accused of attacking two women during lockdown parties in October 2020. He faced a retrial on one count of rape and one count of attempted rape.

However, after three hours of deliberation, jurors cleared the Frenchman of both charges at Chester Crown Court.

He was previously found not guilty on other charges following a trial.

Benjamin Mendy arrives at court for his retrial. Image: Getty

Jenny Wiltshire, head of serious and general crime at Hickman & Rose solicitors, said: "Benjamin Mendy would like to thank the members of the jury for focussing on the evidence in this trial, rather than on the rumour and innuendo that have followed this case from the outset.

"This is the second time that Mr Mendy has been tried and found not guilty by a jury. He is delighted that both juries reached the correct verdicts.

"It has been almost three years since the police started investigating this matter. Mr Mendy has tried to remain strong but the process has, inevitably had a serious impact on him.

"He thanks everyone who has supported him throughout this ordeal and now asks for privacy so he can begin rebuilding his life."

Mendy became the world's most expensive defender when the Blues signed him from AS Monaco for £52 million in 2017.

He won three Premier League titles and two EFL Cups at the Etihad. He was also part of France's World Cup-winning squad in 2018.

He's currently without a club following his release.