John Cofie and Nathan Stuart were acquitted following a trial
Ex-Manchester United footballer John Cofie and his friend have been cleared of raping a woman after meeting her on a night out. Mr Cofie, who played for the Old Trafford club from the age of 14 until he was 21 - before playing abroad until the age of 26 - and his friend Nathan Stuart denied rape charges.
They visited several bars before the woman’s friend went home. The woman recalled having a cigarette outside one bar, but told jurors 'that was the last of what she really recalled' from the evening.Prosecutor Vanessa Thomson said: "She drank alcohol and as the night progressed, she was later to tell the police that memories of the evening disappeared.
Mr Cofie, from Sale, denied two counts of rape. Mr Stuart, from Northwich, Cheshire, three counts. Jurors took less than an hour to find them both not guilty of all offences. He told jurors the three of them had gone back to his house, the woman had begun kissing Mr Cofie and invited him to join them.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ex-Manchester United starlet and friend 'raped woman after night out', jury toldJohn Cofie and Nathan Stuart deny the charges they face and say sex was consensual
Read more »
Manchester United have now made an approach to Newcastle United Sporting Director Dan AshworthNewcastle United Sporting Director Dan Ashworth - Manchester United have now made an approach
Read more »
Luton Town 1 Manchester United 2: Hojlund’s scoring feat, why can’t United control games?Manchester United edged past Luton Town in the Premier League with a 2-1 win. Mark Critchley breaks down the big talking points
Read more »
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United to knock Manchester City and Liverpool off their perchSir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to knock Manchester City and Liverpool off their perch within three years as he sets out his vision to rebuild Manchester United.
Read more »
Three Newcastle players Man Utd could target if Dan Ashworth appointed sporting director at Old TraffordManchester United have been linked with Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Read more »
Welsh team hopes to cause upset against Manchester UnitedLeague Two side Newport County welcome Manchester United to Rodney Parade on Sunday, hoping to dump out the 12-time winners and end their last realistic hope of winning any silverware this season.
Read more »