London – A UK court ruled on Wednesday that former Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs will face a retrial on domestic abuse charges after a jury failed to reach a verdict last month.
The judge at Manchester Crown Court, Hilary Manley, set the new trial date for July 31, 2023, after jurors were unable to reach a verdict during the previous four-week hearing.
Giggs, 48, a former international footballer for Wales, denied controlling and coercive behavior toward his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville as well as beating her and her younger sister.
Wednesday, prosecutor Peter Wright stated in court, “We do seek a retrial for Mr. Giggs.
“The matter has been reviewed by senior members of the Crown Prosecution Service, together with the complainant’s willingness to testify.
They express a willingness to do so.
Giggs stated in a statement that he was “clearly saddened” by the decision to retry the case.
“I continue to plead not guilty to all accusations. I am convinced that justice will be served and that my name will be exonerated of all charges,” he continued.
Giggs will remain out on bail until his trial next year.
After almost 23 hours of deliberation, Manley dismissed the original jury of seven women and four men, who had been given the option of reaching a majority verdict, because there was no “realistic likelihood” of a decision.
If found guilty, the three counts may result in a five-year prison sentence.
Prosecutors stated that the ex-celebrity headbutted Greville in the face when she attempted to quit their relationship and subjected her to “a litany of physical and psychological abuse.”
Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was among those who testified in the case, in which Giggs also testified and admitted to being disloyal in all of his previous personal relationships but denied ever being violent.
He resigned as manager of Wales in June after being placed on leave following his arrest.
In the mid-1990s, Giggs exploded onto the scene as a youngster. He concluded his career as the most decorated player in English football history at Old Trafford.
During his 23-year playing career at Manchester United, he amassed a club-record 963 appearances and won 13 Premier League crowns and two Champions League trophies.
He began his coaching career at Old Trafford, taking temporary command when David Moyes was fired at the conclusion of the 2013–14 season. Giggs then served as Louis van Gaal’s assistant for two years.