Liverpool and England ace Sterling pleads not guilty following ARREST for alleged assault of model girlfriend



Raheem Sterling has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting a woman.

Sterling appeared in Liverpool Magistrates Court on Friday to answer the charge that he attacked model Shana Ann Rose Halliday, 19, who is thought to be his girlfriend.

The Liverpool winger, 18, spent a night in custody after he was arrested over an incident that took place in Page Moss, a district of Liverpool, at 10.30pm on Thursday in Page Moss, Merseyside.

Not amused: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers (right) wears a stern expression as Raheem Sterling leaves for Dublin with his team-mates



Touchdown: Liverpool arrive in Dublin later on Friday evening Sterling was granted conditional bail and will stand trial for common assault on September 20.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: ‘Raheem Sterling, 18, of Woolton, was charged with Section 39 common assault. Sterling was remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court today.’

It is believed the couple had earlier been celebrating her 20th birthday with a meal out and a row is understood to have taken place afterwards.

The hour before Sterling was arrested he took to Twitter, writing: 'This food is getting dealt with', followed by pictures of knife and fork, chicken leg and ice cream. Something to smile about? Sterling was back in training today at the club's Melwood base

In training: Raheem Sterling chats with Daniel Sturridge during a training session at Melwood

Alleged: The winger has been accused of assaulting his girlfriend Shana Ann Rose

Allegation: Liverpool and England winger Raheem Sterling was arrested on Thursday for assault

A Liverpool spokesperson said: 'Raheem has denied the charges and as the case is ongoing, we will not be making any further comment at this time.'



The Criminal Justice Act 1988 explains the charge, a section 39, could lead to imprisonment should Sterling be found guilty.



It reads: 'Common assault and battery shall be summary offences and a person guilty of either of them shall be liable to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.'



The alleged victim, who works as a sales assistant at clothing label Hollister, won Miss United Kingdom earlier this year before competing for the world title in March.



Couple: Sterling is accused of assaulting Shana Ann Rose, a model and beauty pageant competitor. The couple went on holiday together this summer (below)



Sterling was, however, included in the Liverpool squad that flew to Dublin on Friday night for Saturday evening’s friendly with Celtic.



Liverpool’s preparations for the new campaign conclude on Saturday evening and Brendan Rodgers took a strong squad to Ireland, one that included fit-again striker Daniel Sturridge.



Sterling will also be free to play for England’s Under 21s against Scotland at Bramall Lane on Tuesday.



Manager Roy Hodgson talked about the winger in glowing terms recently. Speaking of Sterling and Wilfried Zaha, Hodgson said they were ‘two very exciting young talents and I wouldn’t be surprised if they make a mark with the senior team.’



