Former Manchester United Star Ryan Giggs Accused Of 'Litany Of Abuse' At Assault Trial

Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs went on trial Monday accused of submitting his former girlfriend to a "litany of abuse" during a coercive and "toxic" relationship, 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. The jury trial opened at a crown court in Manchester on Monday morning, presided over by judge Hilary Manley. She said it is expected to last two weeks. Giggs entered the court building looking grave-faced, flanked by his legal team.

Inside he sat upright in the dock, frequently sipped water and appeared to follow the proceedings closely.

Giggs is charged with assaulting his former girlfriend, 36-year-old PR executive Kate Greville, causing her actual bodily harm on November 1, 2020, when police were called to his home in the Manchester area.

The Welshman is further charged with common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, on the same day.

He also faces a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour towards Kate throughout their relationship, which began in 2017 and ended with the alleged assault.

'Damaging relationship'

Prosecution lawyer Peter Wright told the jury that Giggs carried out "a litany of abuse -- both psychological and physical -- of a woman he professed to love" during a "manipulative, toxic, damaging relationship".

"The defendant's behaviour became increasingly obsessive" in the relationship, Wright said, and was "calculated to erode any sense of self-worth".

By the date of the alleged assault, Kate "had determined she needed to terminate their relationship" and knew Giggs "had yet again been cheating on her",