Ryan Giggs, the former Manchester United player, will not face a retrial over domestic violence allegations as prosecutors have withdrawn the charges citing the “unwillingness” of his ex-girlfriend to testify. The decision was announced on Tuesday at Manchester Crown Court in north west England, where Giggs was scheduled to stand trial for a second time on July 31. The original trial, which took place last year, lasted for a month but ended without a verdict from the jury.
During the court proceedings, prosecuting lawyer Peter Wright informed the court that there was no realistic chance of securing a conviction. He explained that Giggs’ ex-girlfriend, Kate Greville, had indicated her unwillingness to testify due to the toll that the first trial had taken on her and her sister, Emma.
Wright stated, “That being the case, we formally offer no evidence on counts one, two, and three. This is not a decision taken lightly.” In response, Judge Hilary Manley entered not guilty verdicts on those counts.
Ryan Giggs, who is a former Wales international, had vehemently denied the allegations of controlling and coercive behavior against Greville, as well as the charges of assaulting her and her younger sister. If convicted, he could have faced a five-year jail sentence. However, with the withdrawal of the charges, Giggs has now been cleared of all accusations.
The trial held last August included testimony from several witnesses, including former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Giggs himself took the stand and admitted to being unfaithful in all his previous relationships but vehemently denied ever being violent.
Following his arrest, Giggs had been on leave from his role as Wales manager, and he eventually resigned from the position in June last year. His career as a professional footballer began in the mid-1990s when he burst onto the scene as a teenager. Giggs ended his playing career at Manchester United as the most decorated player in the history of English football.
Over his 23-year tenure at Old Trafford, he made a club record 963 appearances, securing 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies. Giggs transitioned into coaching at Manchester United, initially taking temporary charge at the end of the 2013-14 season following David Moyes’ dismissal. He later served as an assistant to Louis van Gaal for two years.
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