Merry van Woodenberg acts for Benjamin Mendy co-accused, Louis Matturie, who has been found not guilty of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault

Merry van Woodenberg defended Louis Matturie, who was charged along with Manchester City footballer, Benjamin Mendy, with a series of alleged sex offences.

Following a 5-month trial at Chester Crown Court, the jury acquitted Mr Matturie of five counts of rape, and one count of sexual assault, in relation to three women. Three of the acquittals were by direction of the judge, after a video emerged showing ‘Woman 7’ having ‘enthusiastic sex’ with Mr Matturie, on an occasion when she claimed she was raped by him. The remaining not guilty verdicts were by unanimous agreement of the jury.

The jury failed to reach verdicts in relation to other counts on the indictment, and were discharged today.

Merry was instructed by Rob Borwick and Hanisha Godhania of ABV Solicitors, and led by Lisa Wilding KC of 23 Essex Street Chambers.