Mendy jogs while wearing electronic tag ahead of trial for seven counts of rape

Benjamin Mendy has been pictured jogging as he prepares for a two-day pre-trial hearing later this month.

The Manchester City player was released on bail in January after four months in prison. He's not played for his club since he was arrested but has been pictured out in Chesire wearing an all black tracksuit with his electronic ankle bracelet visible under his white sock.. Mendy has been accused of attacking six woman and is charged with seven counts of rape.

The 27-year-old will appear at Chester Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing starting on May 23 as requested by Judge Steven Everett, Recorder of Chester. A hearing in the case recently took place at Chester Crown Court on April 21. Legal and evidential matters, which cannot be reported ahead of the trial, were dealt with at the hearing, which lasted under half an hour.

Mendy was not required to be present at the hearing and were represented by their legal counsel, who appeared via videolink. The Frenchman is accused of seven counts of rape relating to four women, one of sexual assault and one of attempted rape.

His co-accused, Louis Saha Matturie, 40, is charged with 10 offences involving seven women, including seven counts of rape relating to five women and three of sexual assault. The alleged charges span a period of late 2020 and August 2021. Both the accused were first arrested on August 26 last year.

Mendy moved to Manchester City from Monaco for over £50m back in 2017. With the club he has won three Premier League titles as well as several domestic cups. A club statement read following his arrest: "Manchester City can confirm that following his being charged by police today, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation."