Former Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs will face a new trial on domestic violence charges, a British judge ruled on Wednesday, following a jury failed to reach a verdict last month.
Manchester Crown Court Judge Hilary Manley has set a new trial date for July 31, 2023, following jurors were deadlocked following the initial four-week hearing.
Former Wales international Giggs, 48, has denied controlling and coercive behavior once morest his former girlfriend Kate Greville as well as molesting her and her younger sister.
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Prosecutor Peter Wright told the court on Wednesday that “we are asking for a new trial for Mr. Giggs.
“The case has been reviewed at a higher level within the Crown Prosecution Service as well as the complainant’s willingness to testify.
“They indicate a preparation to do so.”
Giggs will remain on bail until trial next year.
Manley rejected the jury of seven women and four men at the original trial, which was given the opportunity to return a majority verdict following determining there was no “realistic prospect” of a decision following nearly 23 hours of reflection.
If ultimately convicted, all three counts might result in a five-year prison sentence.
Prosecutors alleged the ex-star headbutted Greville as she tried to end their relationship and subjected her to a “litany of abuse, both physical and psychological.”
Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was among those to give evidence in the case, which also saw Giggs come forward and admit to being unfaithful in all of his past romantic relationships, but denying ever being violent.
He resigned as Wales manager in June, having been on furlough since his arrest.
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Giggs exploded onto the scene as a teenager in the mid-1990s. He finished his career at Old Trafford as the most decorated player in English football history.
As a player, he made a club record 963 appearances in 23 years for Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.
He began his coaching career at Old Trafford, temporarily taking charge at the end of the 2013-14 season following David Moyes was sacked. Giggs then worked as Louis van Gaal’s assistant for two years.
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