Prosecutors claim Louis Saha Matturie has 'hidden behind his barrister' while defence tell jurors case is 'riddled with inconsistencies'

Lawyers have made their closing speeches in the trial of Louis Saha Matturie. Mr Matturie, 42, denies sexual allegations made by three women.

He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault. Jurors at Chester Crown Court have heard that Mr Matturie's case was originally linked to the case of Benjamin Mendy, the then Manchester City footballer.

They heard 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, jurors were told.

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Mr Matturie, from Eccles, Salford, was acquitted of all the other charges, but the previous jury were unable to agree on verdicts on the four counts he faces at this re-trial. Prosecutors have alleged that Mr Matturie 'took advantage of the environment and the vulnerabilities of the young women in this case'.

Woman One has claimed that she was raped at Mr Matturie's flat in Salford. Mr Matturie’s case is that they had sex, but that it was consensual.

Woman Two claimed that she was raped and sexually assaulted at the same property a few weeks later. Mr Matturie has said they had consensual sex.

Woman Three has claimed she was sexually assaulted by Mr Matturie in a car after being invited to a party at Mr Mendy's home. Mr Matturie has said the allegation never happened.

Prosecutor Benjamin Aina KC claimed that Mr Matturie had 'hidden behind his barrister' after deciding not to give evidence in front of jurors at