A court in Greece has handed Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire a 15-month suspended prison sentence, bringing fresh developments to a legal saga that began nearly six years ago on the island of Mykonos.
Maguire was found guilty on charges relating to non-serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery following an altercation outside a bar in August 2020. The 33-year-old centre-back has consistently denied the accusations, and his representatives have indicated that he will challenge the latest ruling.
The case stems from an incident during a summer holiday in which Maguire, along with his brother and a friend, was detained after a confrontation with police. The dispute reportedly followed claims that his sister had been targeted with a suspected spiked injection, sparking tensions that escalated into a physical clash.
Shortly after the original arrest, Maguire was convicted and given a 21-month suspended sentence. That verdict was later overturned on appeal, clearing the way for a retrial.
However, the new hearing was delayed multiple times over several years before finally proceeding this week. The defender was not required to appear in court for the latest proceedings.
At the time of the initial conviction, then England manager Sir Gareth Southgate omitted Maguire from the national team squad while the legal process unfolded.
The latest decision does not mean Maguire will serve time in custody while the sentence remains suspended, but his legal team is expected to pursue another appeal in an effort to clear his name.
Discussion about this post