Harry Maguire receives a 15-month suspended jail sentence following the upholding of his non-serious assault conviction in Greek courts. The retrial, delayed multiple times over nearly six years, took place on Syros island.
Court Ruling Details
A panel of judges confirms the conviction on Wednesday, reducing the original sentence to 15 months and 20 days. Maguire also faces a €1,500 fine. The Manchester United defender does not attend the hearing in person and remains available for the Premier League match against Newcastle United tonight.
Background of the 2020 Incident
The case originates from an altercation outside a bar on Mykonos island in August 2020, during Maguire’s family holiday. Maguire reports that two men approached his younger sister, Daisy, injected her with an unknown substance, and caused her to lose consciousness intermittently.
He attempts to transport her to a hospital but ends up at a police station. There, uniformed individuals allegedly beat him on the legs, threaten his football career, and appear to impersonate officers. Fearing a kidnapping plot, Maguire tries to escape but spends two nights in custody.
Charges and Denials
Initially convicted of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, and attempted bribery, Maguire receives a suspended sentence. He strenuously denies bribery claims and rejects prosecutors’ assertions that he said, ‘Do you know who I am?’
Evidence of injuries to both Maguire and his sister could bolster his defense. Speaking in 2020, Maguire states: “It’s not nice seeing bad reports against yourself. No one knew what went off that night. Either you believe it or you don’t. Even after the court case, still the stories coming out of the court case are so far away from the truth it is incredible. So, no, my character and personality will stay the same. I am strong mentally and I will get over this. My conscience is clear. I know exactly what happened that night.”
Brother’s Outcome
Maguire’s brother, Joe, secures acquittal on attempted bribery charges. The appeals court, however, upholds findings of aggravated assault and verbal abuse against police.
