Harry Maguire's legal troubles in Greece may finally be resolved, almost five years after his initial arrest and conviction. His new trial is expected to begin on Wednesday. This is the fourth attempt to resume proceedings, after the automatic annulment of his initial conviction for assault on a police officer and attempted corruption on appeal, in accordance with Greek law.
Is Maguire's legal battle finally nearing an end?
Mail Sport reports that the England defender's retrial will begin on Wednesday morning in a court in Syros and that his defense team is in place, ready to clear him.
His first trial was postponed for the first time until May 2023, as Maguire's lawyer was unavailable due to a scheduling conflict. Maguire was to be represented by Alexis Anagnostakis, a human rights specialist, prevented by a scheduling conflict before the Athens Supreme Court. Without his defense team, Maguire could not have been properly represented, even if he had decided to appear in person, which he is not required to do.
The next attempt at a hearing was interrupted by a lawyers' strike in February 2024. Legal action by the Greek lawyers' union over tax measures limited the hearing to urgent matters. The case was postponed again in March this year.
What are the charges against Maguire?
Maguire was found guilty of repeated battery, assaulting a police officer and attempted bribery after an alleged affray. He was sentenced to 21 months in prison. That verdict was immediately overturned after Maguire's appeal, requiring a full retrial in a higher court.
The Manchester United centre-back has categorically denied accusations he hit or attempted to bribe police officers.
In an interview with BBC Sport in August 2020, Maguire presented his side of the story. He claims the plainclothes officers repeatedly hit him in the legs and claimed his career was over. These actions caused him to flee the scene, believing he was about to be kidnapped.
Speaking about the damage the incident may have caused to his reputation, Maguire was defiant. “ It's not nice to receive bad news. Nobody knew what happened that night. You either believe it or you don’t,” he said.
“Even after the trial, the stories that come out are so far from the truth that it’s unbelievable. So, no, my character and personality will remain the same. I am mentally strong and I will overcome this. I have a clear conscience. » I know exactly what happened that night.
Maguire on vacation; he will not attend his trial
The Manchester United star is currently on holiday with his family, having not been selected by England manager Thomas Tuchel for the Three Lions' upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Latvia. He will be represented by his lawyer during the trial which will be held on the Aegean island of Syros, as he is not required to attend.
