RYAN Giggs is to face a re-trial on domestic violence charges, a judge has ruled at a hearing on Wednesday at Manchester Crown Court.
The former Manchester United footballer was on trial for four weeks but following more than 20 hours of deliberations, the jury of seven women and four men, having lost one to illness, failed to reach a verdict.
The new trial date is set for July 31, 2023.
Giggs, 48, had denied any controlling or coercive behaviour over the course of a three-year period towards his ex-girlfriend, Kate Greville, 38.
He also denied “losing control” and headbutting her and assaulting Greville’s sister, Emma, by elbowing her in the jaw, during a row at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester on November 1 2020.
During a brief hearing at Manchester Crown Court the judge approved a prosecution application for a second trial.
Giggs was excused attendance.
Peter Wright QC, prosecuting, told Judge Hilary Manley: “We do seek a re-trial 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 re-trial of this matter.”
The retrial is estimated to last three to four weeks.
Giggs will remain on bail until the trial takes place next year.
A further pre-trial hearing was set for July 3 2023.