MANCHESTER United ace Harry Maguire’s conviction for assault and bribery has been upheld six years after the England star’s infamous Mykonos brawl.
The England defender, who turns 33 tomorrow, was thrown into the cells on the Greek island in 2020 after a bust-up with police.
He was convicted of assault and bribery following a hastily arranged trial and sentenced to a 21-month suspended jail term.
The footballer categorically denied any wrong-doing and vowed to prove his innocence.
His lawyers lodged an appeal – quashing the original verdict – and returned to court yesterday for it to be formally upheld.
Dad-of-two Maguire was not in court for the hearing and is due to be in the United starting line-up against Newcastle United tonight.
The centre-back refused to accept any plea deal and vowed to pursue the case through the courts to the bitter end.
His hopes were dashed by a Greek legal strike and again later when cops involved failed to turn up to court.
A retrial was then shelved four times for reasons including lawyer strikes and court documents not being translated into English.
Officials were reportedly reluctant to pursue a retrial amid fears the saga had damaged the Greek island’s reputation and harmed tourism.
And Maguire’s lawyers returned again yesterday.
A source said: “Harry has always contested charges and was determined to prove his innocence.
“He was on holiday with friends and family, just like other Brits, and never imagined this happening.
“He was understandably distraught and wanted the truth to be told.”
Maguire was held by cops and spent two nights in a cell after an altercation on a night out.
He was hauled into court just days later – despite his defence team being given just two hours to prepare a case.
Crucial evidence was withheld from the trial and Maguire was found guilty of repeated bodily harm, attempted bribery, violence against public employees and insulting behaviour.
The footy hero, who has won 64 caps for the Three Lions, got a suspended jail term of 21 months.
Maguire’s lawyers immediately lodged his appeal but has had to wait years for a decision.
The player said the speed with which they were convicted left him stunned – especially as his defence team was given just two hours to prepare a case.
He later told how the ordeal unfolded as he, his wife, Fern, his sister Daisy and six others, including his brother Joe, waited for a taxi.
As they waited, two Albanian men approached Daisy and tried to talk to her.
Fern said she then saw that Daisy’s eyes had rolled backwards and she was going in and out of consciousness.
Maguire claimed the group shouted at the men but insisted CCTV would show there was no fight.
Following his return to the UK, Maguire said: “Some people will believe me, some people won’t.
But one thing I would say about Mykonos is that I have no regrets.
“My conscience is so clear about what happened that night.”
Repeated delays to the retrial have reportedly unsettled the star, with a source close to him saying: “Harry is frustrated this is continuing to drag on after more than five years.
“He remains bemused his fundamental defence rights have not begun to be addressed.”
HARRY MAGUIRE MYKONOS BATTLE TIMELINE
