A Manchester City Star facing rape charges has reportedly had a meltdown inside after thinking he would be sent to a VIP wing.
Benjamin Mendy has been charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was remanded at Chester Magistrates’ court on Friday.
It is reported the 27-year-old believed he would be allowed home but was in shock when he was instead sent to HMP Altcourse, a Category B jail in Liverpool.
The Mirror reports that upon arrival, Mendy was informed that he would be kept on the VP wing for vulnerable prisoners.
But according to The Sun , Mendy misheard and assumed that meant he would be taken to a VIP wing for celebrity figures and was in dismay when he realised that was not the case.
Mendy is charged with three counts of rape in October 2020 and with the sexual assault of a woman in early January this year.
He is also charged with raping a woman earlier this month.
A charge of breaking bail conditions appeared on the court list but was withdrawn in court.
It had been alleged he breached conditions in August, after being released on July 26.
Fourteen reporters were in court for the hearing, which was delayed for the arrival of a French interpreter.
Mendy spoke to confirm his name, age and address and was represented by barrister Christopher Stables.
District Judge Jack McGarva sent the case to Chester Crown Court where Mendy is due to appear on September 10.
Mendy showed no emotion as he was taken from the court accompanied by two dock officers at the end of the hearing, which lasted about an hour.
The left-back has played for Manchester City since 2017, when he joined from Monaco for a reported £52 million.
He was suspended by the club after being charged by police, pending an investigation.
A statement from his club read: "Manchester City can confirm that following his being charged by police today, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation.
"The matter is subject to a legal process and the Club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
