LIVE: Louis Saha Matturie sex offences re-trial continues as jury told defendant was friend of ex-City player Benjamin Mendy - latest updates from court

A man is on trial accused of sexual offences including rape. Louis Saha Matturie, 42, faces two charges of rape and two of sexual assault.

The allegations concern three women. Mr Matturie, of Edwin Court, Eccles, Salford, denies all the allegations.

The trial, which is expected to last up to three weeks, is being held at Chester Crown Court. It began on Wednesday (September 27).

Prosecutors are represented in court by Benjamin Aina KC, while Mr Matturie is represented by Lisa Wilding KC.

Reporter Andrew Bardsley will post updates in the live blog below...

Trial judge Steven Everett is now addressing the jury, explaining some legal directions in the case. He tells jurors that Mr Matturie's case was originally linked to the case of Benjamin Mendy, a professional footballer who at the time of the allegations played for Manchester City.

Jurors are told Mr Matturie was a friend of Mr Mendy, and that the allegations arose 'as part of his association' with him. The pair originally featured on a joint indictment and went on trial between August 2022 and January this year.

Judge Everett tells the jury that Mr Matturie was acquitted of all the other charges, but that the previous jury were unable to agree on verdicts on the four counts he faces at this re-trial.

Jurors are told that the case received 'considerable media interest'. The judge tells them they must avoid reading media reports of the case and focus on the evidence heard in court.

Police spoke with her in January last year, the jury is told. At first, she said she didn't want to make a complaint against Mr Matturie, but when they visited her again a few days later she told officers wanted auhorities to proceed with charges.

Mr Matturie was interviewed by police at