Sunderland winger Jack Diamond 'ready to resume his career' after not-guilty verdict

Jack Diamond keen to put the last 18 months behind him after being cleared of rape and sexual abuse charges.

Sunderland winger Jack Diamond says he is ‘ready to resume his career’ after being acquitted of rape charges.

The 23-year-old had been suspended by the club while he fought the allegations of rape and sexual assault dating back to May 2022.

Diamond always denied the charges, and he has new been cleared of them with a jury requiring just 15 minutes to return a not-guilty verdict.

"I have today been acquitted of all charges at Newcastle Crown Court,” Diamond said.

"I have always maintained my innocence and today marks my total exoneration underlined by the jury reaching its verdict in seven minutes.

"I am grateful to the jury for considering the evidence carefully and for reaching what is the correct conclusion.

"I always said I was looking into clearing my name in court. The last 18 months have been hugely challenging.

"I would like to thank my legal team Mrs Laws KC, Mr Derbyshire and the entire team for their dedication and skill.

"I would also like to thank all my family and friends who have been with me during this time.

"I now look forward to resuming my career."

What that career looks like now remains to be seen. Diamond was once a highly-rated prospect at Sunderland, but he has not missed a year of key development time, during which the standard at the club has been raised considerably too.

However, they say Diamond will now return to the club and everyone will take it from there.

“Sunderland AFC notes the verdict from Newcastle Crown Court today, where a jury has found Jack Diamond not guilty of all charges,” the club said in a statement.

“Following the conclusion of the judicial process, Jack will now return to the Academy of Light and resume footballing activity.”

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