LIVE: Benjamin Mendy 'delighted' after being found NOT GUILTY on both counts following re-trial

Footballer Benjamin Mendy has been found not guilty of charges against him following a re-trial. The former Manchester City player, 28, denied counts of rape and attempted rape - allegations concerning two women.

The case was a re-trial. A jury previously acquitted Mr Mendy of other sexual allegations. The previous jury could not agree verdicts on the two outstanding counts he faced.

The alleged attempted rape of 'Woman One' was said to have happened in October 2018, while the alleged rape of 'Woman Two' was said to have happened in October 2020. Neither women can be named for legal reasons.

On Friday (July 14), Mr Mendy was found not guilty of both counts.

We'll post live updates in the blog below...

Here is the full story on Mr Mendy's acquittal.

Jenny Wiltshire, head of serious and ceneral crime at Hickman & Rose 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.

Mr Mendy has been released from the dock at Chester Crown Court.

Mendy wept after the verdicts were announced

Benjamin Mendy has been found not guilty of attempting to rape Woman One in October 2018.

Benjamin Mendy has been found not guilty of raping Woman Two in