Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond who is already to stand trial for sexual assault early in the New Year, is now also to contest a rape allegation at the same hearing.

The 23-year-old winger today (Friday, August 11) pleaded not guilty to the rape of a woman, said to have taken place between May 6 and 9, last year.

Diamond, of Fatfield, in Washington, Tyne and Wear, denied the sexual assault charge, relating to the same complainant, on his first appearance in the case at Newcastle Crown Court, in June.

Although also facing the rape charge at that stage, the charge was not put to him at the June hearing.

Read more: Sunderland: Jack Diamond suspended after rape & sexual assault charges

But, following a further hearing at the court before Judge Edward Bindloss today, the rape charge was also put to him.

After the defendant’s not guilty plea, the judge said the case would be heard at the same trial as the sexual assault allegation at the court, starting on Tuesday January 2, with a three-day time estimate.

Judge Bindloss adjourned the hearing and granted Diamond bail on the same terms to which he is already subject.

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Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond denies sexual assault charge

Sunderland's Jack Diamond denies sexual assault charge

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Diamond, who came through the Sunderland AFC Academy from the age of 14, made his senior debut in October 2018.

He has gone on to make 28 first team appearances, scoring one goal, but he has spent three periods on loan at Harrogate Town, and, most recently at Lincoln City, during the 2022/23 season.

Once he was charged with the two offences, on March 30, his loan was terminated at Lincoln and he was suspended by Sunderland.