The trial of Benjamin Mendy for eight rapes and sexual assaults has begun: can he receive a life sentence?

This Wednesday The trial began against Benjamin Mendy, the 28-year-old French footballer who is part of the Manchester City squad. The 2018 world champion in Russia was arrested in early July in London and now the case has entered a decisive phase.

Accused of eight rapes and one sexual assault, this Wednesday in Chester (England) the trial has begun and has a high probability of ending up being sentenced to an exemplary prison sentence. In recent months, the number of charges has increased since he was remanded in custody a year ago. The number of complainants aggravates the case and does not help the French.

Benjamin Mendy, in the worst case, faces life imprisonment. Although some specialists believe that the sentence ends up ranging between 5 and 20 years of imprisonment. “I would say that if he were found guilty of everything after a trial, he would probably be sentenced in double digits, but this is highly speculative,” Richard Furlong, a British lawyer, said in an interview with RMC Sport.

Furthermore, he added: “The total penalty must be proportionate. The fact that someone has committed 8 crimes will serve to increase the total penalty for the crime by 10 years, and perhaps out of reach. Therefore, for 8 offenses, the penalty can be increased to 13 or 14 years “.

“The system is mainly based on the fundamental principle that the overall penalty must be fair and proportionate. Otherwise, the judge has a discretion that should normally lead him to reduce the overall penalty resulting from an accumulation of sentences (the only maximum limit in these circumstances is the sum of the initial penalties), or to increase the penalty deriving from a confusion, “added Karim Morand-Lahouazi, a French lawyer.

Other consequences for Benjamin Mendy

In case of conviction, Benjamin Mendy would be obliged to notify the police of his place of residence and all his travels. Plus, it would part of the register of lifelong sex offenders. This would happen if the maximum penalty was not applied.