Manchester United defender Harry Maguire‘s bid to clear his name over a brawl in Mykonos is reportedly set for another delay, due to a lawyers’ strike in Greece.
Maguire was arrested and later found guilty of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and attempted bribery while on holiday in August 2020.
The 30-year-old was handed a 21-month suspended sentence for his alleged involvement in a brawl on the island. He appealed the verdict but has been awaiting a hearing on the neighbouring island of Syros ever since.
The England international was ‘geared up’ for Wednesday’s hearing before an appeals court judge, but will now have to wait longer for the case to be resolved.
Prosecution lawyer Yannis Paradisis told the Guardian: ‘The case is going to be adjourned.
‘The strike has meant court proceedings cannot take place. We will be given a new date by the judge tomorrow.’
Paradisis, represents two of three policemen claiming the former United captain kicked and punched them.
He said his clients were ‘patient men,’ before adding: ‘They are professionals and they know that justice (in this country) can take a long time.’
Wednesday’s appeal would have come more than 18 months after the trial date was set.
It is not the first setback for Maguire after it was postponed last May after his lawyer, Alexis Anagnostakis couldn’t make it due to a scheduling conflict.
It was hoped that the hearing could finally put the issue to rest – some 42 months since the alleged brawl.
‘At this rate Maguire may have retired from professional football when he receives a summons,’ a court official at the Syros tribunal said, confirming the adjournment.
After eight years the statute of limitations kicks in. If the case hasn’t been heard by then it will be written off.’
Maguire was holidaying with a group including wife Fern Hawkins, his sister Daisy and brother Joe, at a £29,000-a-week villa in Mykonos.
He claims that the altercation started outside the Bonbonniere bar after Daisy was injected with an unknown substance by two strangers.
Maguire claimed that, despite wanting to take her to a hospital, he was taken to a police station where he was beaten.
Worried he was part of a kidnap attempt, Maguire attempted to flee the scene.
Credit: dailymail.co.uk
