Benjamin Mendy: How does he spend his days at the HMP Altcourse prison?

Benjamin Mendy has been in pre-trial detention since 26 August. The left-back is charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on three women over the age of 16. The incidents are alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021 at his home in Prestbury.

Mendy placed with vulnerable persons

Pending his next hearing on 15 November, where he will have to decide whether to plead guilty or not at a trial scheduled for January 2022, the 2018 World Champion is being held at Liverpool's HMP Altcourse's men prison. There, the international player has been transferred to the VP wing, reserved for vulnerable people.

In this ward, Mendy is being monitored by specific staff trained to identify inmates at risk of bullying, suicide or self-harm. The Le Havre-trained player is regularly being monitored psychologically and questioned about his mental health.

A private prison with many activities

HMP Altcourse is reserved for category A prisoners, who represent a real threat to society, and category B prisoners, who are awaiting trial or require increased security. The latter is the situation Mendy finds himself in. Upon arrival, each new inmate participates in a welcome programme to facilitate his integration, including an introduction to the sports complex.

Inside the walls, prisoners can take part in numerous sports activities for up to one hour a day (weight training, running, basketball, badminton, etc.). A special football programme is even offered, lasting 12 weeks and which includes sessions with a coach and nutritional monitoring. A bookshop and tutoring services to learn new professional activities are also available on site.