Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs charged with ‘multiple words of abuse’ at assault trial

Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs appeared in court on Monday accused of placing his ex-girlfriend on “suspected abuse” in a forced and “malicious” relationship, in a case that has been filed ruined his management career. The 48-year-old, who until recently was the coach of the Wales national team, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years. The jury trial opened at crown court in Manchester on Monday morning, presided over by judge Hilary Manley. She said it was expected to last two weeks.
Giggs entered the building with a serious expression on his face, surrounded by his legal team.

Inside, he sat upright in the dock, taking frequent sips of water and appearing to follow the proceedings closely.

Giggs is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Kate Greville, 36, PR executive, causing her actual bodily harm on 1 November 2020, when police were called to his home in the Manchester area .

The Welsh player was further charged with assaulting her sister, Emma Greville, on the same day.

He also faces charges of controlling and coercing behavior against Kate throughout their relationship, which began in 2017 and ended with the alleged assault.

‘Break the relationship’

Prosecution attorney Peter Wright told the jury that Giggs had committed “a case of abuse – both psychologically and physically – against a woman he claimed to be in love with” during a “relationship”. manipulative, toxic, damaging system”.

“The defendant’s conduct became increasingly obsessive in the relationship and was ‘calculated to erode any sense of self-worth’,” Wright said.

On the day of the alleged assault, Kate “determined that she needed to end their relationship” and knew Giggs “was cheating on her again,” Wright said.

Her sister Emma took care of the couple’s house while Giggs and Kate hung out with friends.

Back at home, Giggs argued with Kate and pushed her to the ground, leaving her with a bruised arm.

At this point, Emma intervened and “the defendant – we say intentionally – elbowed Emma in the jaw, making her uncomfortable”.

Giggs then “deliberately headbutted Kate, thereby causing her lips to bruise and bleed. Soon after, Emma called the police,” the prosecution said.

Giggs was arrested by police at his home and released on bail.

He denied the charges and pleaded not guilty at his first trial last year.

“Giggs was idolized – still is – by his adoring fans,” Wright said, but treated Kate “in a way that the public or the law cannot excuse or ignore.”

The judge told jurors they may have formed opinions from media stories, but “must put those opinions aside” and not “look to Google”.

Kate was prepared to appear in court on Tuesday, speaking behind the screen. The court also had to watch a police video interview.

– First of two tests –

Giggs’ attorney, Chris Daw, insists his client “has not used unlawful violence” against Kate or her sister, and that he “fully accepts that his conduct was on a moral level virtue is not perfect”.

Daw said there was “some small incidental contact” between them on the night of the alleged assault.

Giggs resigned as Wales manager in June, after being on leave since his arrest.

He remained on conditional bail and said he was looking forward to “clearing my name”.

A dazzling teenage talent, Giggs ended his career at Old Trafford as the most decorated player in English football history.

As a player, Giggs made a club record of 963 appearances over 23 years for Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.

He then began his coaching career at Old Trafford, taking charge at the end of the 2013/14 season after David Moyes was sacked before working as assistant to Louis van Gaal for two years.

Giggs was appointed Wales manager in January 2018 and helped them secure a spot at Euro 2020, their second major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup.

His trial opens just before another involving a star footballer, Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy.

The French man will appear in court on Wednesday in Chester, northwest England, accused of rape and assault in a case involving seven women.

Mendy, who has been suspended by City, denies the allegations.

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