The Manchester City footballer arrived at Chester Magistrates' Court in a prisoner van today, which was escorted by a police car. Cheshire Police charged Mendy with offences relating to three complainants over the age of 16.

       The alleged offences are believed to have taken place between October 2020 and August this year.

       Mendy was also accused of breaching his bail conditions.

       His lawyer Christopher Stables initially applied for bail but the prosecutor opposed the application.

       Now, the district judge has denied his bail and the case has been adjourned until September 10.

       Mendy will appear at Chester Crown Court and no pleas have yet been entered.

       Yesterday, Chester Police issued a statement in connection with allegations of sexual assault.

       Their statement read: "The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised Cheshire Constabulary to charge a man in connection with allegations of sexual assault.

       "Benjamin Mendy, aged 27, has been charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

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       "The charges relate to three complainants over the age of 16 and are alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021.

       "Mendy, of Withinlee Road, Prestbury, has been remanded in police custody and is set to appear at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday August 27.

       "Cheshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service would like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings against Mendy are live and that he has a right to a fair trial."

       Manchester City have suspended the player pending an investigation.

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       In a statement, the club said: "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."

       The French left-back joined Manchester City in 2017 after signing from Monaco for a reported transfer fee of ￡52million.

       Mendy has played 50 times for Manchester City, winning the Premier League on three occasions, as well as the EFL Cup for the last four successive seasons and the FA Cup in 2019.

       He has also played 10 times for the French national team after making his debut in 2017.