LIVE: Re-trial of Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy to begin - latest updates from court

The re-trial of Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy is due to begin today. The 28-year-old is accused of raping one woman and attempting to rape another. He denies both charges.

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

A jury was sworn in at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday afternoon. The 12 jurors were whittled down from a panel of 43.

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During the selection process, trial judge Steven Everett, the Honorary Recorder of Chester, told them: "I anticipate that many, if not all of you know Mr Mendy already had one trial. This is a re-trial of two outstanding charges.

"He was acquitted of all the other charges, so you know that right from the start."

The jury panel was told the trial could last for up to three weeks. Judge Everett adjourned the case until this morning (Thursday), when prosecutor Benjamin Aina KC will deliver his opening speech.

Court reporter Andrew Bardsley will post updates from Chester Crown Court in the live blog below...

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