Macclesfield: A footballer who lives in Prestbury will remain in custody accused of multiple sex offences, having been denied bail.

Benjamin Mendy (27) is accused of four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at his home in Prestbury, of an unspecified address.

The Parisian has been in custody at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool since his arrest last Thursday, after being denied bail at Chester Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Judge Steven Everett refused a new bail application on Wednesday morning at Chester Crown Court. Mr Mendy was not at the hearing.

The defender is charged with attacks on three different women, including one under 18, at his home in Prestbury, Cheshire.

Reports have said his employers are believed to have been aware of the incidents, but did not suspend him until after his arrest. His crimes span 10 months, including during coronavirus restrictions on socialising.

Mendy has made 50 appearances for Manchester City since 2017, and he moved into a £4.18m home in Prestbury in 2018.

Three of the rapes are alleged to have taken place in October 2020 and he is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in early January 2021, during coronavirus lockdown.

The left-back is also charged with raping a woman in August 2021.

City's no. 22, who may be unsuspended by the Premier League Champions pending trial, is due to appear at Chester Crown Court on 10 September.

Cheshire Constabulary said a 40 year old male aged 40, who was arrested on suspicion of rape as part of the police investigation into the allegations had been released on bail, unlike Mr Mendy.

Mendy was not included in the France national football team squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

He made one appearance for Manchester City this season 2021-22 season, in the Community Shield loss to Leicester City.

Macclesfield: please click here for advice on reporting rape or sexual assault.

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