MAN STANDS TRIAL OVER HISTORICAL SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS
Update 15/06/2026: The grandfather of footballer Jesse Lingard has died while awaiting a retrial for alleged child sex offences.Kenneth Lingard, 87, stood trial at Liverpool Crown Court last year, accused of sexually abusing a girl from the age of five.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Kenneth Lingard, an 86-year-old resident of Warrington, is currently on trial accused of serious sexual assault charges that have garnered significant media attention.
The allegations relate to past offences involving a woman who claims she was abused from the age of five.
Lingard denies all the accusations levied against him.
During the proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, his grandson, footballer Jesse Lingard, testified in his Defense.
Jesse, who played for Manchester United and is now with FC Seoul, told the court that he would have severed all ties with his grandfather if he had known about the allegations.
He stated, "I would have cut ties with him straight away.
My daughter wouldn't be round there.
My little sister wouldn't be round there." Jesse emphasized the importance of his grandfather in his life and career, expressing the personal conflict involved.
The court heard that the woman approached Jesse after he appeared in a 2022 documentary where he spoke positively of his grandfather.
Jesse explained, "I have not heard nothing about this." She had sent private messages accusing Lingard of molestation and sexual abuse, leading to distress for the footballer.
Jesse also shared the emotional toll the case has taken, mentioning, "A few sponsorship deals in Korea have fallen through.
I've had to hold off on some more sponsorship deals in Korea at the moment." He reflected on his upbringing and how his grandfather’s support was vital in his development as a footballer.
The trial remains ongoing, with Kenneth Lingard facing 17 counts of indecent assault, and a verdict has yet to be reached.
