Case Dropped in Andre Onana Wife Robbery as £62k Handbag and Watch Remain Missing

Robbery Case Against Man Accused of Targeting Andre Onana’s Wife Discontinued Amid Separate Conviction

It’s the kind of ordeal you wouldn’t wish on anyone—especially not in the seemingly safe and serene surrounds of Alderley Edge, an upscale Cheshire enclave better known for its celebrity residents and leafy streets than for violent crime. But for Melanie Kamayou, wife of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, a quiet evening turned into a nightmare earlier this year when she was targeted in a street robbery that saw a designer handbag and an expensive gold watch stolen in broad daylight.

The alleged robbery, which took place on March 29, 2025, outside a well-known Italian restaurant, sparked headlines far beyond the Manchester area. Kamayou, a 35-year-old pharmacist who relocated to the UK with Onana in 2023, was left shaken by the encounter. But months later, there’s still no closure. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now dropped the case against the man accused of committing the robbery, citing a lack of evidence.

No Conviction in High-Profile Robbery of Onana Wife

Andre Onana Manchester United 2024-25

The suspect in question, 25-year-old Liam Ross from Wibsey, West Yorkshire, had been formally charged with the street robbery shortly after the incident. He was alleged to have been involved in snatching Kamayou’s luxury handbag—valued at around £62,000—and a piece of gold jewellery, presumed to be a watch, during the ambush.

Despite the high-profile nature of the case and its unsettling details, the CPS has decided not to pursue the robbery charge. According to The Sun, prosecutors offered no evidence in court, effectively bringing the case to a halt. The decision has left many questions unanswered—and one very expensive handbag unaccounted for.

Separate Drug Offence Leads to Jail Time

While Ross will not stand trial for the robbery, his legal troubles are far from over. In the same court appearance at Chester Crown Court, Ross pleaded guilty to a separate, unrelated charge of producing cannabis. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison as a result.

For Kamayou, the outcome is bittersweet. While the man who allegedly targeted her is still facing jail time, there’s no satisfaction when it comes to the actual crime that thrust her into the spotlight. Sources close to the couple have said that she was left “deeply shaken” by the incident, which marked a harsh introduction to life in the UK.

Alderley Edge: Luxury and Notoriety

Alderley Edge has long been one of the north west’s most exclusive postcodes. With its gated mansions, designer boutiques and five-star dining spots, it’s no surprise that some of football’s biggest names have chosen to call it home. Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand are just a few of the former stars who’ve lived there.

But as the robbery involving Kamayou demonstrates, affluence doesn’t make anyone immune to crime. That such a targeted attack could occur in broad daylight, on a quiet street, only adds to the sense of unease.

Onana’s Future at United Now Under Scrutiny

The timing of the incident was hardly ideal for Andre Onana either. After a challenging debut season at Manchester United in 2023-24, the Cameroon international had hoped for a smoother ride heading into his second campaign. But while the summer has brought some rest, it has also brought fresh scrutiny.

Onana’s performances for United have been inconsistent at best. Although he’s shown glimpses of the talent that made him a standout at Inter Milan, his time at Old Trafford has been peppered with high-profile errors. Some have been costly in big matches, fuelling speculation that the Red Devils might soon look elsewhere for a new No.1.

Adding to the uncertainty is a summer injury that ruled him out of key pre-season fixtures. Rumours have been swirling about potential replacements, with Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning keeper Emiliano Martinez among the names reportedly being considered.

Family and Football in a Time of Transition

For Onana and Kamayou, the last few months have tested more than just physical fitness or personal safety—they’ve tested resilience, patience, and emotional endurance. Kamayou, who reportedly hoped to start a business in the UK, has found herself navigating the darker side of life in the public eye, while Onana continues to battle for form in one of the most scrutinised positions in English football.

It’s a reminder that behind the headlines and the transfer rumours, these are real people with real lives. A robbery might be just another news story for some, but for the victims, it’s a traumatic moment that lingers long after the court case closes.

Looking Ahead

With the criminal case now discontinued and no immediate leads on the stolen items, Kamayou and Onana will be hoping to move forward. On the footballing front, Onana still has time to win over his critics and prove he can be the commanding presence United need between the sticks. But that will require consistency—and perhaps a little bit of luck, too.

As for Alderley Edge, the incident serves as a reminder that no neighbourhood, however exclusive, is completely free of risk. Luxury may bring comfort, but not necessarily safety. And in the high-stakes world of football, off-pitch distractions are sometimes the most difficult to manage.

Whatever the future holds for Onana—be it a return to top form or a surprise transfer—it’s clear that 2025 has already been a year of significant upheaval for both the goalkeeper and his family. Whether justice will ever be fully served for the robbery remains uncertain. What is clear is that in football, as in life, not everything goes to plan.