Accused: Raheem Sterling has been charged with
assaulting a woman in Liverpool
Liverpool star Raheem Sterling has been charged
with assaulting a woman.
The 18-year-old winger was summonsed to Liverpool Youth
Court today on a charge of common assault.
The Jamaica-born footballer, who lives in Woolton,
Liverpool, did not attend the hearing and solicitor Mick Hogan
appeared on his behalf.
Police said a 27-year-old woman, who is known to the
footballer, suffered 'slight' facial injuries during an alleged
incident in Toxteth, on November 2.
During today's short hearing Mr Hogan told the court that
Sterling denies the allegation.
He said the alleged offence took place when the footballer
was 17 but, as he turned 18 in December, the matter should be
transferred to the adult courts.
Mr Hogan said: 'I do have instructions to the effect that
Mr Sterling will be pleading not guilty to this
charge.
'He is aware of today's hearing and the club are very
supportive.'
The move to the adult courts was supported by the
prosecution and Chairman of the Bench Brian Upton adjourned the
matter to Liverpool Magistrates' Court on February
22.
Sterling made his senior international debut for England
last November against Sweden and has earned plaudits for his
performances for Liverpool this season.
The youngster recently signed a new deal with the Anfield
outfit after several months of wrangling.
Speaking to Mail Online earlier this month, Sterling said: 'I've
become a better all-round person, especially in how I live my life
off the pitch these days. And I've learned to be more selective
with the people who I trust.
'The people close to me now are good for me, I've learned
from the experiences I had growing up, from the people who weren't
there for me. I now listen to my elders at home and at the club. I
take on board what these people tell me.'