Sunderland's Michael Proctor shocked by Jack Diamond rape allegation

Sunderland coach Michael Proctor was "incredibly shocked" by the rape accusation made against the club's winger Jack Diamond, a court has heard.

Mr Diamond, 23, denies raping and sexually assaulting a woman at his home in Fatfield, Washington, on 7 May 2022.

He has told Newcastle Crown Court all activity with the woman was consensual.

In a statement read to jurors, Mr Proctor said Mr Diamond had grown from an "ambitious boy" into a "respected, humble and professional young man".

The former academy turned first-team coach said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" working with Mr Diamond, having done so since the footballer was 15 years old.

In a statement presented by Mr Diamond's legal team, Mr Proctor, who played as a striker for Sunderland from 1997 to 2004, said he had given the statement to "demonstrate the type of character" Mr Diamond was.

"I am incredibly shocked to see the position Jack has found himself in," he said, in the statement.

Mr Proctor said Mr Diamond had "shown a tremendous desire and dedication to work and make himself a career in football", which had involved "commitment and sacrifices, both on and off the pitch".

The court also heard from Harrogate Town assistant manager Paul Thirlwell, who came to know Mr Diamond during the footballer's spells on loan to the club between 2019 and 2022.

Mr Thirlwell, who also previously played for Sunderland, told jurors Mr Diamond was an "honest lad" who was "really popular" in the dressing room.

He said Mr Diamond was "always polite" and "respectful" with teammates, staff and fans, and had the prospects for a good career in the game.

Mr Diamond's sister, Chloe, said she had seen him "around girls his whole life" and he was always "nice and kind".

She said he was "funny" and "grounded", and she was yet to meet anyone who did not get along with him.

Jurors also heard from current Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who was a housemate of Mr Diamond's at the time of the alleged offence, and also became acquainted with the complainant after Mr Patterson matched with her on the dating app Tinder.

Sunderland's number one said he wanted to give evidence at his "best friend's" trial despite being warned by club officials about how it might affect public perception of Mr Patterson.

He said he thought it was "really weird" the woman had added love hearts to a picture of Mr Diamond, when the couple had agreed to a casual relationship with the focus on mutual sexual gratification.

Mr Patterson said he had returned to the house where the alleged assault took place at about 23:30 BST on 7 May, but had not heard anything or even realised the woman was there.

The court previously heard Mr Diamond had invited her over on the night in question for "company" and she had agreed to join him for a "cuddle".

She has alleged he "tried to force himself" on her in bed, but he has said she initiated sex which he stopped.

Earlier this week, jurors heard how the couple had first met on Tinder in 2019 and were "friends with benefits", with the relationship consisting of "95% sex".

The trial continues.

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