Maguire Conviction Upheld in Greece

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has had his assault and attempted bribery conviction upheld by a Greek appeals court, nearly six years after the high profile incident that occurred on the island of Mykonos in August 2020.

The 32 year old England international was originally arrested during a late night altercation with police officers while on holiday in Greece. After a lengthy legal process that stretched for years, the Greek courts have now reaffirmed the guilty verdict against the defender.

Maguire was charged with non serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery following the confrontation. The appeals court found him guilty on all three counts, bringing a dramatic chapter of legal uncertainty to a close.

The judges revised his original punishment, reducing the earlier 21 month sentence to a suspended jail term of 15 months and 20 days. Because the sentence is suspended, Maguire will not serve time in prison unless he commits another offence during the suspension period.

In addition to the suspended sentence, the court imposed a financial penalty of €1,500 (approximately KSh 210,000), which is also equivalent to about £1,304. The fine forms part of the disciplinary measures ordered by the court following the verdict.

Maguire did not attend the hearing in person as he remained in England preparing for Manchester United's upcoming Premier League fixture against Newcastle United. The defender has consistently maintained his innocence since the original arrest and his legal team had spent nearly six years attempting to overturn the ruling.

Meanwhile, his brother Joe Maguire received mixed news from the court proceedings. While he was acquitted of the attempted bribery charge, the appeals court upheld accusations of aggravated assault and verbal abuse against police officers.

The case has drawn widespread attention across the football world since the initial arrest in 2020, largely due to Maguire's status as one of England's most prominent defenders and a former captain of Manchester United.

With the appeals court now delivering its decision, the legal battle that has lingered around Maguire's career for years appears to have reached its final chapter, even as the player continues focusing on his responsibilities on the pitch.