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Jesse Lingard's Grandfather Dies Before Retrial over Alleged Child Sex Offences
A death certificate means the charges no longer have legal effect after jurors cleared him on two counts and could not reach verdicts on 15 others.
- Kenneth Lingard, 87, died on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Liverpool Crown Court confirmed on Monday, ending the pending retrial for alleged historic sexual offenses. Judge Katherine Pierpoint ruled all existing indictments against the pensioner no longer hold legal effect.
- Historic allegations against Lingard emerged in November 2022 after a Channel 4 documentary featured his grandson, professional footballer Jesse Lingard, discussing his grandfather's positive career influence. The complainant messaged the midfielder after broadcast, accusing Kenneth of abuse.
- The pensioner, a former gymnastics coach, consistently denied the allegations, telling the court the assaults "never happened." Last year, a Liverpool Crown Court jury cleared Lingard of two indecent assault charges but could not reach verdicts on the remaining 15 counts.
- During Monday's hearing, Prosecutor Benjamin Aina KC confirmed the death and noted a death certificate has been produced. Judge Pierpoint ordered the indictment marked, officially concluding the case against the Warrington resident without further legal action.
- Lingard's health decline had required an extended period in Warrington Hospital, and the retrial was rescheduled for next year. With the defendant's death, no further proceedings will occur regarding accusations that previously prompted Jesse Lingard to testify in his grandfather's defense.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Center
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
54% Center
L 38%
C 54%
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