COFFEE BREAK Manchester City star Benjamin Mendy spotted enjoying coffee with pals as he awaits trial for seven counts of rape

The Manchester City star, 27, is accused of seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault against five women aged over 16.

Benjamin Mendy is pictured grabbing a coffee in Cheshire Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke

He appeared at Chester Crown Court last month to face a new allegation of attempted rape relating to a sixth alleged victim.

Mendy was today pictured with two pals picking up a Costa coffee near his home in Cheshire.

The centre-back looked casual in a baseball cap and white Supreme hoodie.

It comes after Mendy was bailed in January after spending 134 days in custody following his arrest in August.

Judge Patrick Thompson released him from prison during a private hearing but imposed a list of "stringent" conditions.

He must surrender his passport and make no contact with complainants.

Mendy must also reside at his six bedroom, £4.8million mansion in Cheshire but is legally free to go out and see friends.

The French international faces nine charges in total against six complaints.

One of the counts was carried out on August 23 - just three days before he was charged, it is said.

It is the second rape Mendy allegedly committed while on police bail after his arrest in November.

Mendy is also accused of raping a woman three times at Cheshire mansion in October 2020.

The footballer allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in early January 2021.

A provisional trial date has been set for July 25.

RAPE CLAIMS

Co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, 40, is accused of 10 offences, involving seven women, including seven counts of rape relating to five women and three of sexual assault.

Premier League champions Man City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017.

He last played for the club on August 15 during their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at the start of the season.

In September 2020, City boss Pep Guardiola revealed Mendy would be out of the game for at least a month due to an injury.

In a statement, the club later 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.”

Mendy was released on bail in January Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke

He is due to go on trial in July Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke

The footballer is accused of seven rapes