Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond has appeared in court charged with rape and sexual assault.
The 23-year-old from Falstone in Fatfield, Washington, appeared before Judge Zoe Passfield at South Tyneside Magistrate's Court on Friday, May 5. Diamond, who wore a black suit and silver tie, spoke only to confirm his date of birth and address.
The court heard that the Sunderland winger had been charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault of a female aged 16 or over. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between May 6 and May 9 last year in Washington.
READ MORE: Join ChronicleLive's Whatsapp community for breaking news and top stories
Frida Hussain, QC, defending Diamond, indicated that he intended to plead not guilty to both charges.
The charges, which were read out in court, stated: "Between May 6 and May 9 last year at Washington, with intent, sexually penetrated the vagina of a woman aged 16 or over with a part of your body, namely your fingers, when she did not consent and you did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.
"Between the same dates, intentionally penetrated the vagina with your penis, when she did not consent and you did not reasonably believe that she was consenting."
The woman is granted automatic anonymity under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.
Judge Passfield sent the case to Newcastle Crown Court with the next hearing scheduled to take place on June 2 at 9am.
Diamond was granted unconditional bail.
In March, Chronicle Live reported that Sunderland AFC had suspended Diamond with immediate effect following the charges, and Lincoln City, where he had been on loan, had terminated his loan stay.
READ NEXT:
- Damaged Society closing down in Newcastle's Eldon Square for bigger city venue
- Two taken to hospital after being sprayed with 'unknown substance' at North Shields pub
- Driver taken to hospital after suffering 'medical episode' following crash in Walker
- Annual Tyne and Wear May Day rally draws crowds in Newcastle city centre as unions unite over cost of living crisis
- Sunderland man performed sex act over herring gull in bizarre attack that left magistrates shocked
