Sunderland Footballer Jack Diamond Accused of Sexual Assault in His Home
Sunderland soccer player Jack Diamond has been accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman at his home, according to court proceedings.
The 23-year-old Diamond, who pleaded not guilty at Newcastle Crown Court, allegedly attacked the woman after meeting her on Tinder. Despite agreeing only to cuddle due to her medication, the woman reported feeling forced into further sexual activity. S
underland suspended Diamond when charged in March last year, and his loan at Lincoln City was subsequently cut short.
In the trial, the jury heard that the woman eventually gave in to some sexual contact but then awoke to Diamond caressing her against her wishes. The situation escalated despite her protests.
The prosecutor suggested that the woman messaged a friend for help out of fear, especially after seeing Diamond possibly coordinating a threesome with his housemate, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
After Diamond asked her to leave, a friend found her in a distraught condition. The woman described the incident to the police as an aggressive assault that made her "turn over and cry." In contrast, Diamond claimed the encounter was consensual and denied her allegation of jealousy.
To ensure impartiality, two jurors who were Newcastle United fans were excused due to a potential perception of bias, as the trial coincided with an upcoming match between Newcastle and Sunderland.
Judge Edward Bindloss emphasized the need for a fair and unbiased jury, given Diamond's affiliation with the Sunderland football club.