10 months ago
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HARRY Maguire’s retrial for assault and bribery has been shelved for more than a year — and may never go ahead.
The England and Manchester United centre-back was due to plead his innocence this week at a long-awaited hearing on the Greek island of Mykonos.
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The Mega AgencyBut a legal strike saw it postponed and lawyers say it will now not take place until March next year at the earliest.
Officials are now said to be reluctant to pursue the case amid fears it has damaged the island’s reputation and harmed tourism.
The move to postpone the case prolongs the ordeal for the ace who has vowed to clear his name after his shock arrest in summer 2020.
A source said: “Harry has — and always will — contest the charges.
“He was on holiday with friends and family and was understandably distraught. He doesn’t want this hanging over him another day but respects the Greek legal system.”
Maguire, 30, was held by police and spent two nights in a cell after an altercation on a night out.
He was hauled into court days later and his lawyers were given just two hours to prepare a case.
Crucial evidence was withheld from the trial and Maguire was found guilty of bodily harm, attempted bribery and violence.
The footie hero, who has won 62 caps for the Three Lions, got a suspended jail term of 21 months.
Maguire’s lawyers immediately lodged an appeal — quashing the original verdict — and vowed to return to court to clear his name.
The player later told how the ordeal unfolded as he, his wife Fern, sister Daisy and six others waited for a taxi.
He said two Albanian men approached Daisy and tried to talk to her.
Fern said she then saw Daisy’s eyes had rolled back as she drifted in and out of consciousness.
Maguire said the group shouted at the men but there was no fight.
BBC
Harry Maguire during his infamous 2020 interview about the Mykonos brawl
Refer to CaptionHARRY MAGUIRE MYKONOS BATTLE TIMELINE
August 20 2020 – Harry Maguire is arrested after an altercation outside a bar in Mykonos involving his sister, brother Joe and friend Christopher. All three men were handed suspended sentences.
August 25 2020 – Maguire’s family friend tells a Greek court that his sister Daisy was injected with a “rape drug” in the club, sparking Harry and his friends and brother to rush to her side.
August 26 2020 – Maguire is found guilty of assaulting police, resisting arrest and attempted bribery – his lawyers appeal, quashing the charges pending a retrial.
March 5 2021 – Retrial court case is postponed due to the Covid pandemic until June 2023.
June 21 2023 – Maguire’s legal team request a push back for the case, which is rescheduled for February 7 2024.
February 7 2024 – Retrial is postponed until March 12 2025 as Greek lawyers go on strike.
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