Gary Neville has been referred to the Attorney General for potential contempt of court following a social media post that may have been in reference to the assault trial of close friend Ryan Giggs.
The AG, Suella Braverman, will now consider the potential impact on a criminal trial and whether charges should be pursued. The post was brought to the attention of Judge Hillary Manley on the third day of the trial, which concluded on Wednesday with a hung jury, and a discussion took place over whether it was prejudicial.
Giggs' barrister Chris Daw QC told the court that he wanted to make it "crystal clear" that the defendant had not been aware of the post. A source close to Neville insisted that the post, which was published at about 4am on the morning of the trial's opening day, was in reference to Manchester United.
Indeed, Neville's agent, Di Law told the Daily Mail: “Gary is absolutely adamant that this was not about the case, but was referring to the Glazers. Any suggestion otherwise is not true and he will take it very seriously."
But following the conclusion of the 17-day trial yesterday afternoon Judge Manley said that Neville was being referred for consideration of a potential prosecution. If found guilty the maximum punishment would be a fine or a two-year sentence.
Judge Manley told the court: “Both the prosecution and defence agreed with me, in the absence of any comment from the jury, and given my clear direction, the trial could properly continue.
“However, given the author is a person with a high public profile... it could be seen to be an attempt to influence ongoing criminal proceedings and could be contempt of court.
“Accordingly, I am referring the matter to the office of the Attorney General for the consideration of a potential prosecution.”
Giggs and Neville spent 19 years as team-mates in Manchester United's first team and now share a number business interests.
Neville was named several times during evidence in the trial, which saw Giggs stand accused of two counts of assault and one of coercive and controlling behaviour towards ex-girlfriend Kate Greville.
The jury was discharged on Tuesday after being unable to provide a majority verdict. A hearing will take place next week to determine whether a retrial will take place next summer.
