Footballer Jesse Lingard told his grandfather`s sexual abuse trial today that he would prevent his daughter from seeing him if the allegations were true.
The former Manchester United star gave evidence in the trial of 86-year-old Kenneth Lingard, who stands accused of sexually assaulting a woman from the age of five until she was 19.
The woman reported the alleged historical abuse to the police after watching a Channel 4 documentary featuring Jesse, where the 32-year-old England international praised his grandfather`s influence on his career.
Lingard, who traveled from South Korea where he currently plays for FC Seoul, told Liverpool Crown Court that the woman contacted him after the documentary was broadcast.
He recounted her messages, saying she questioned why he allowed his grandfather to be part of the documentary given the alleged actions. Lingard stated that he responded by saying he had no knowledge of any such matters.
Lingard told the court that when the woman indicated she would contact the police, he told her she was free to do so.
He described the woman`s contact as sudden and unexpected.
Jesse Lingard also testified that he would have immediately severed ties with his grandfather if he had known about the abuse allegations. He added that in such a case, his daughter and younger sister would not be allowed near him.
Lingard, who played for FC Seoul in a recent loss, mentioned that the trial has negatively impacted some of his sponsorship deals.
He also told the court that he lived with his grandparents from a young age and that his grandfather was extremely supportive of his football career.
The footballer described his grandfather`s crucial role, stating, “He basically taught me football, taught all the skills, drove me up and down motorways… to watch me play football. He`s been the man that`s got me here today.”
Jurors had previously heard that the woman sent Lingard three messages on November 18, 2022, after the documentary aired.
One message accused Jesse Lingard of knowing about the abuse and criticized him for the documentary, stating his grandfather had molested and sexually abused her.
Another message alleged Lingard was hiding a “dark” secret and referred to his grandfather as a “paedophile” and “child molester.”
She also referred to the former England star`s late grandmother Pamela as an “enabler.”
The woman claimed Lingard had “no right” to make the documentary given her allegations of years of abuse by his grandfather.
The jury also heard recordings of calls she made to police on the day “Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story” was broadcast. She asked officers how to get someone arrested for “historic child abuse.”
She told police she decided it was “time to speak out” after watching the show, adding that it made her feel “ill” seeing her grandfather portrayed as a hero.
Kenneth Lingard, from Warrington, has denied 17 charges of indecent assault.
The trial continues.
