Ryan Giggs to face retrial over assault and controlling behaviour allegations
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it was seeking a retrial against the former Manchester United footballer at a hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday.
Wednesday 7 September 2022 14:24, UK
Ryan Giggs is to face a retrial over allegations that he attacked and controlled his ex-girlfriend and assaulted her sister, a judge has ruled.
The former footballer said he was "disappointed" at the decision, which came at a hearing held this morning at Manchester Crown Court.
Jurors in his first trial were discharged last week after failing to reach verdicts following nearly 23 hours of deliberations.
Giggs is accused of assaulting his former partner, Kate Greville, causing actual bodily harm, and using controlling and coercive behaviour against her from August 2017 to November 2020.
The ex-Manchester United star was also charged with the common assault of Ms Greville's younger sister, Emma.
Giggs denies the allegations against him.
He was accused of deliberately headbutting Ms Greville at his house in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on the evening of 1 November 2020.
The former Wales manager was also accused of deliberately elbowing her sister Emma in the jaw during the alleged incident.
Peter Wright QC, prosecuting, told Judge Hilary Manley: "We do seek a retrial in respect of Mr Giggs.
"The matter has been considered at a senior level within the Crown Prosecution Service, and also the willingness of the complainant to give evidence, although that is not determinative on the matter, has also been canvassed.
"They indicate a preparedness so to do.
"Consequently we do invite you to fix a date for the retrial of this matter."
Giggs releases statement after retrial decision
Judge Manley fixed a new trial, on the next date available to both prosecution and defence lawyers, of 31 July, 2023, for a hearing estimated to last three or four weeks.
In a statement following Wednesday's hearing, Giggs said he was "obviously disappointed" that a retrial had been ordered.
"My not guilty plea remains in relation to all charges," the 48-year-old said.
"I am confident that justice will eventually be done and my name will be cleared of all the allegations.
"I would like to thank my legal team, my mum, my children, my girlfriend Zara, as well as my closest friends, for their support throughout this period.
"I understand the level of interest and the scrutiny around this case but I would like to ask that my and my family's privacy is respected in the weeks and months ahead."
Giggs remains on bail until his trial next year.