Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire has been found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery by a three-member misdemeanours court on the Greek island of Syros. The 27-year-old, who earns £190,000 a week, was given a suspended prison sentence of 21 months and 10 days after the court acknowledged his clear criminal record. His brother Joe and friend Christopher Sharman received suspended 13-month sentences.
During the trial, police witnesses testified that Maguire attempted to bribe officers after his arrest on Mykonos, allegedly saying, 'Do you know who I am? I am very rich, I can give you money.' Another officer claimed he was pushed by the footballer and fell on his back, requiring painkillers. Maguire vigorously denied all charges and has instructed his legal team to appeal.
Defence lawyer Alexis Anagnostakis argued that the group acted in self-defence after Maguire's sister Daisy was allegedly injected with a substance causing her to faint. He claimed the police officers were not in uniform and his clients did not realise they were law enforcement. A friend corroborated that the group suspected a rape drug had been administered.
Maguire was named in Gareth Southgate's latest England squad earlier on Tuesday but has since been withdrawn. In a statement, Maguire said: 'I remain strong and confident regarding our innocence in this matter – if anything myself, family and friends are the victims.' His co-defendants also plan to appeal the verdict.
