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The Telegraph
The Telegraph
National
Gareth Davies

Ryan Giggs to face retrial on domestic violence charges

Ryan Giggs to face retrial on domestic violence charges - Cameron Smith /Getty Images Europe
Ryan Giggs to face retrial on domestic violence charges - Cameron Smith /Getty Images Europe

Ryan Giggs will face a retrial next year - almost three years after he was first arrested on domestic violence charges.

Talking publicly for the first time on the trial, the ex-Manchester United footballer said he is "obviously disappointed", but wants to clear his name.

Mr Giggs had been on trial for four weeks but last week, following 22 hours and 59 minutes of deliberations, the jury failed to reach any verdicts.

Judge Hilary Manley approved an application by prosecutors for a second trial during a brief hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday.

The second trial will begin on July 31 next year - 143 weeks and a day after Mr Giggs was arrested on Nov 1, 2020.

'I am obviously disappointed'

The 48-year-old said: "After more than three weeks in court I am obviously disappointed that a retrial has been ordered.

"My not guilty plea remains in relation to all charges. 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 had denied controlling or coercive behaviour over a three-year period towards his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 38.

Ryan Giggs to face retrial on domestic violence charges - pixel GRG
Ryan Giggs to face retrial on domestic violence charges - pixel GRG

He also denied "losing control" and headbutting her and assaulting Ms 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 Wednesday's hearing 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."

Judge Manley approved a retrial and told Giggs' lawyers in court that his bail would be extended until the trial next year.

During Mr Giggs' time at Old Trafford, Manchester United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.

He is the club's record appearance holder with 963, and went on to become the club's interim manager and later assistant manager.

Mr Giggs stood down as manager of the Wales national team following a period of leave since November 2020, having been in the role since January 2019.

He won 64 caps for Wales and is co-owner of League Two side Salford.

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