Ex-Cardiff City winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing denies assaulting wife as trial date set for January

MK Dons midfielder Nathaniel Mendez-Laing denied a charge of assault by beating at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on Friday 11 September, with District Judge Joseph O’Connor setting a trial date for January and releasing the 34-year-old on conditional bail.

Mendez-Laing, who arrived at court on crutches wearing a black suit and white shirt, is accused of attacking his wife, Saira Mendez-Laing, at their home in Shenstone, Staffordshire. The alleged incident is said to have taken place in June. Police were called to the property, and the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges in August. During the brief hearing, Mendez-Laing confirmed only his name, age and address before entering his not-guilty plea.

The wide midfielder made 20 Premier League appearances for Cardiff City, contributing four goals and one assist during their top-flight campaign. He has also represented Wolverhampton Wanderers, Peterborough, Sheffield United, Portsmouth, Shrewsbury, Cambridge United, Rochdale, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday across a career spanning the lower and upper tiers of English football.

Mendez-Laing joined MK Dons in League One last summer after leaving Derby County. Born in Birmingham, he previously represented England at under-17 level before opting to declare for Guatemala, the country of his mother’s and grandmother’s heritage. He has since earned 20 caps for the Central American nation.

Mendez-Laing and Saira married in June last year. MK Dons have stated they will not comment on ongoing legal proceedings.