It was revealed today that Ryan Giggs will have to go through a new trial after being accused of assault and using coercive and controlling behaviour towards his ex-girlfriend.
However, the former Manchester United and Wales footballer must now endure a torturous ten-month wait before a retrial will decide his fate.
After the jury was unable to reach a judgement last week after a three-week trial, the Crown Prosecution Service made the decision to press charges against the former Manchester United and Wales player.
The 48-year-old former Wales coach is accused of hitting Kate Greville, 38, and her sister Emma, 26, after an altercation fueled by alcohol at Ryan Giggs’ multimillion dollar house in Worsley.
Additionally, he is accused of using coercive and controlling tactics over a three-year period against PR executive Greville, which he vigorously rejects.
The judge at Manchester Crown Court today granted the prosecution’s request for a second trial after a short hearing. Giggs was given a pass to attend.
Judge Hilary Manley was informed by the prosecutor, Peter Wright QC, that a retrial in Mr. Giggs’ case was being sought.
“The subject has been discussed at a top level within the Crown Prosecution Service, and it has also been asked if the complainant would be ready to provide testimony, even though it is not conclusive on the matter.
They show that they are ready to act. As a result, we do request that you set a date for the case’s retrial.
Judge Manley set a trial date for July 31, 2023, the earliest date that would be convenient for both the prosecution and the defence team. The trial is expected to run three to four weeks.
On July 3, a pre-trial hearing was also scheduled. Giggs’ defence team remained silent throughout the trial.
Giggs was not compelled to attend the court, according to Judge Manley, “but is fully aware of the bail restrictions.”
At Manchester Crown Court, the accusations against Giggs were considered for the whole month of August, but the jury was unable to make a decision after 20 hours of discussion.
However, his second trial won’t start until at least July of next year, so the former Manchester United winger will now have to wait a very long time to find out his destiny.
The seven women and four men on the jury at Manchester Crown Court were released on August 31 after almost a full day of discussion ended without a decision.
Only 11 jurors were present since one was released due to illness.
The 17-day hearing is said to have cost the tax payer more than £10,000.
When the court was informed that the earliest possible date for a retrial was June 5, the former football player lowered his head and displayed a dejected expression.
Lynne, Giggs’ mother, who has been at his side throughout and watched from the audience gallery, cradled her head in her hands. She said outside of court that her son’s life was “on hold.”
Giggs cried in court at the first trial as he described how spending the night in the cells after his detention was the “worst experience of my life.”
Miss Greville was allegedly subjected to coercion and control by the former Wales manager.
On November 1, 2020, Giggs reportedly headbutted her at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, after she told him she was leaving him.
He was also charged with hitting Emma, her sister, 26, who was in the house taking care of the couple’s pet.
Giggs denied two counts of assault as well as one charge of using coercive behaviour.