A FOOTIE star wept in the dock yesterday after he was cleared of rape.
Jack Diamond, 23, put his head in his hands after a jury found him not guilty in 15 minutes.
Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond told Newcastle crown court there was consensual sexual activity at his home in 2022NNP
GettyDiamond denied rape and assault by penetration at Newcastle crown court[/caption]
The Sunderland winger had denied attacking the woman at his home.
His trial heard the pair were “friends with benefits” after meeting on the dating app Tinder.
Diamond told Newcastle crown court there was consensual sexual activity at his home in 2022.
He said he then told the woman he did not think sex was a “good idea” and explained to the jury this was because he feared things “getting a bit too serious”.
He said after being rejected, the woman turned away from him in bed and appeared to be in a “huff”.
Eleanor Laws KC, defending, said: “He is not on trial for being immature . . . for misreading signals about whether he hurt someone.”
Outside court Diamond, of Washington, Tyne & Wear, insisted: “The last 18 months have been hugely challenging.
“I now look forward to resuming my career.”
Diamond was on loan with Lincoln City last season but the deal was terminated after he was charged, and Sunderland suspended him.