Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Sophie Brownson

Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond appears in court charged with rape

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.

Sunderland AFC footballer Jack Diamond pictured at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court. (ChronicleLive)

"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:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.