Domestic violence case dropped against ex-Man Utd star Giggs

Former Manchester United star and Wales manager Ryan Giggs arrives at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on August 8, 2022 at the start of his trial for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. – Giggs stands trial on charges of attacking and coercively controlling his ex-girlfriend, in a case that has upended his managerial career. The 48-year-old, who until recently served as coach of the Wales national team, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a maximum jail term of five years. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP)

Former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs will not face a retrial over domestic violence claims after prosecutors on Tuesday withdrew the charges due to the “unwillingness” of his ex-girlfriend to give evidence.

Giggs, 49, was due to go on trial for a second time on July 31 after a month-long trial last year ended without the jury reaching a verdict.

But prosecuting lawyer Peter Wright told Manchester Crown Court in north west England that there was no realistic chance of conviction.

Giggs’ ex-girlfriend Kate Greville had “indicated an unwillingness” to give evidence as the first trial had “taken its toll” on her and her sister Emma, he explained.

“That being the case, we formally offer no evidence on counts one, two and three. This is not a decision taken lightly,” said Wright.

Judge Hilary Manley replied: “I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of those counts.”

Giggs, a former Wales international, had denied the allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour against former girlfriend Greville as well as assaulting her and her younger sister.

The three counts could have lead to a five-year jail term, but he has now been cleared of all charges.

Former Manchester United manager Alex