LONDON: Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs is facing trial on Monday for assaulting and coercively controlling his ex-girlfriend, in a case that has affected his managerial career.
The 48-year-old, who most recently served as coach of the Wales national team, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a maximum prison sentence of five years.
The jury trial was due to begin at 10:30 a.m. (0930 GMT) at a Crown Court in Manchester, presided over by Judge Hilary Manley. It is expected to last for 10 days.
Giggs is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, PR executive Kate Greville, causing actual bodily harm to him on November 1, 2020, when police were called to his home in the Manchester area.
The Welshman is charged with common assault on the same day with his younger sister, Emma Greville.
He also faces controlling and coercive behavior towards Kate Greville throughout their relationship, which began in 2017 and ended with the alleged assault.
The charge specified that his behavior toward the 36-year-old Greville included the use of “alienation, humiliation, humiliation, harassment, degradation and abuse”.
Giggs was arrested by the police from his home in November 2020 and released on bail.
He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty to a preliminary court appearance in April last year.
His trial was to be held in January, but was delayed due to the backlog of court cases due to the Covid pandemic.
Giggs resigned as Wales manager in June after being on leave since his arrest.
He said he did not want the “continued interest in the matter” to affect the team as it prepares for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
He is on conditional bail, and has said he looks 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 963 appearances over 23 years for Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.
