Sunderland football coach 'shocked' by allegations against Jack Diamond, court hears

A Sunderland football coach has said he is "shocked" that one of the players is on trial facing sex allegations, a court has heard.

First team coach Michael Proctor has known Jack Diamond, who is accused of raping a woman he met on a dating site, since the player was 15, jurors have been told.

In a statement read to Newcastle Crown Court by Diamond's barrister Eleanor Laws KC, Mr Proctor said players require "tremendous desire and dedication, an enormous amount of hard work, commitment and sacrifice" to succeed.

Mr Proctor said Diamond is a "likeable" young man who has respect for others and added: "I have watched him grow from an ambitious boy into a respected, humble and professional young man who I have thoroughly enjoyed working with.

"Accordingly, I am shocked to see the position Jack has found himself in.

"I hope this letter will go some way to demonstrate the type of character Jack is."

In another statement, which was read to jurors, Diamond's sister Chloe, 25, said her brother is "funny, grounded" and added: "I've not yet met anyone who can't get along with Jack."

She said that her sibling is "driven and dedicated", grew up in a close family, treats their parents well and added: "I've never heard Jack get angry or raise his voice, he's so placid."

Diamond is accused of "roughly" groping then raping the alleged victim at the house he then shared with team mate Anthony Patterson.

Jurors have heard 23-year-old winger Diamond had invited the woman, who he met on Tinder, to spend the night and the woman told jurors she agreed there would be "cuddling".

But prosecutor David Povall has told jurors the sportsman "wanted more than that".

Jurors have heard the woman initially consented to some sexual activity before they fell asleep.

But it is claimed Diamond then woke up and started to "feel and caress" the woman and she asked him to stop but he carried on.

However, Diamond told jurors it was he who refused to have sex with the woman, which left her in a "huff".

Diamond denied he would continue after a woman told him no and told the court: "I would never, ever think of doing that, ever."

When asked if he raped or sexually assaulted the woman he insisted "absolutely not".

Diamond, of Fatfield, Washington, denies rape and assault by penetration.

The trial continues.