Aoba Tanaka 
Sunderland footballer, Jack Diamond, is currently facing charges of rape and sexual assault at Newcastle Crown Court. The 23-year-old, who denied the allegations, is accused of assaulting a woman he met on the dating app Tinder at his home in Falstone, Fatfield, Washington, on May 7, 2022.
During the trial, the prosecution revealed that Diamond had invited the woman to his house for a “cuddle” after their initial connection on Tinder. The court heard that the encounter took a distressing turn, with the woman, who was on medication at the time, stating that she had initially agreed to some sexual activity but later felt compelled to ask Diamond to stop. She described the assault as lasting an extended period, expressing her discomfort in a recorded police interview played during the trial.
Sunderland suspended Diamond in March last year when he was charged, leading to the termination of his loan stay at Lincoln City. The court heard that the woman messaged a friend for help, fearing Diamond’s communication with his housemate, Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who had previously raised the possibility of a threesome.
Diamond, who denies the charges, claimed there was consensual sexual activity but no intercourse. The trial continues, with the prosecution presenting its case against the Sunderland footballer.
This trial has gained additional attention as two potential jurors were excluded due to their affiliation with football teams, reflecting concerns about potential bias. The court emphasized the importance of having an unbiased jury to ensure a fair and objective trial.
