UK court drops domestic abuse charges against ex-Manchester United player Ryan Giggs

British justice has dropped its charges against former Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs, accused of violence against his ex-girlfriend and the latter’s sister, the British prosecutor’s office announced on Tuesday July 18.

A first trial last year failed to reach a verdict, the jury failing to agree on the guilt of the 49-year-old former Wales player and coach. It was then accused of assaulting Kate Greville, who was then his partner, during an argument on November 1, 2020, and of “controlling behavior” on his partner during their relationship, which began in 2017 and ended on the day of the events which were blamed on him.

A second trial was scheduled for the end of July but the prosecution announced, during a preliminary hearing at the Manchester Crown Court (north of England), to drop the charges. “It is not a decision taken lightly”assured the representative of the prosecution Peter Wright, explaining that Kate Greville, tested by the hearings of last year, did not wish to testify again. “Mr. Giggs is deeply relieved that the lawsuits have finally come to an end after almost three years of fighting to clear his name”reacted the lawyer of the former footballer, Chris Daw.