Jesse Lingard's Grandfather Faces Trial for Historic Child Sexual Abuse

Ken Lingard, the 86-year-old grandfather of former Manchester United footballer Jesse Lingard, is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court for allegedly sexually abusing a girl from the age of five to 19. The complainant came forward after watching a Channel 4 documentary celebrating Jesse Lingard's career, which highlighted the positive influence of his grandfather. Prosecutor Benjamin Aina KC stated that the documentary acted as a 'catalyst' for the victim, who felt compelled to report the abuse after seeing her alleged abuser praised. Lingard denies 17 charges of historic indecent assault, with the prosecution detailing instances of inappropriate contact and the victim's emotional struggles related to the abuse. The trial will require the jury to focus on the truthfulness and accuracy of the evidence presented, rather than any celebrity connections. Lingard's defense argues against the allegations, but the jury is urged to deliberate based on the testimonies.