Summary

LIVE: Sunderland player Jack Diamond found not guilty

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  • Hello and welcome to the live blog of the opening of Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond's trial.
  • Bruce Unwin will bring you live updates from Newcastle Crown Court as the trial progresses.
  • The 23-year-old winger is on trial on rape and sexual assault charges.
  • Jurors were told the hearing is expected to last for at least three days.
  • In selecting the jury, potential members were told that the defendant is a professional footballer, employed by Sunderland AFC, as is one of the witnesses.
  • Judge Bindloss told the 15 potential panellists that the case was not about football.
  • He also asked any of them if they were season ticket holders of either Sunderland AFC or neighbours Newcastle United FC to indicate before the jury selection.

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