Benjamin Mendy's sexual assault and rape charges in full ahead of trial

Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy will appear for a pre-trial hearing this week at Chester Crown Court.

The 27-year-old was moved to a top security prison before Christmas due to fears over his safety and is currently being held in HMP Manchester, more commonly known as Strangeways.

Mendy denies the charges relating to five accusers between the period of October 2020 and August 2021.

The Man City defender has been in custody since his arrest on August 26, having been denied bail. He is currently suspended from his club pending the investigation into him.

So what are the charges?

Benjamin Mendy, of Prestbury, Cheshire, stands accused of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The rape charges relate to four different women and the sexual assault charge to a fifth. Incidents are alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021.

Mendy's lawyer has already strenuously denied the charges on the footballer's behalf.

The co-defendant in the trial is 40-year-old Louis Saha Matturie, who is believed to have been moved to Strangeways at the same time as Mendy.

The charges against Matturie relate to four complainants between March 2021 and August 2021 and he faces six counts of rape and one of sexual assault.

Both the defendants' legal teams have applied to have the charges dismissed.

The two were originally remanded into custody at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool after the 40-minute hearing.

When is the trial?

Both Mendy and Matturie will appear in court on Friday, January 7, where there will be a pre-trial hearing for bail arrangements and custody time.

A plea will then be entered on January 24, with the actual trial set to take place starting on either June 27 or August 1.

Mendy is a French footballer who signed for Manchester City in 2017 for £52million, leaving his previous club Monaco.

The Frenchman began his career at Le Havre, before moving on to Marseille in 2013 and then Monaco in 2016. During his career, he has made 10 appearances for the national side.

Mendy was suspended by City after the charges were revealed.

They said in a statement: "Manchester City can confirm that following his being charged by police today, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation.

"The matter is subject to a legal process and the club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete."