Judge orders Ryan Giggs trial jury to postpone deliberations until Friday as one of 12 calls in sick

The judge in the Ryan Giggs trial ordered the jury to postpone its deliberations on Thursday after one of the 12 called in sick.

Judge Hilary Manley told jurors they should only discuss the evidence in the case when all of them were together. She said the ill juror hoped to be well enough to return to Manchester Crown Court on Friday (August 26) so they could continue to deliberate.

The judge warned them the trial could now run into next week. She told them: "One of your number has telephoned to say that they are unwell and cannot attend today.

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"That is why they are not here. It’s hoped that they will be here tomorrow.

"You cannot continue with your deliberations today because of course all 12 of you deliberate together."

The judge warned jurors to ignore social media reports about the case, which could contain 'comment or theory or opinion'.

So far, the jury has spent six hours deliberating evidence.

The judge has told jurors she 'must have' verdicts 'upon which [they] are all agreed’.

"There is absolutely no pressure of time whatsoever," she added.

The court heard each of the 11 jurors present had indicated there would be 'no insurmountable problems' for them if the case was to go into a fourth week.

Mr Giggs, 48, denies assaulting his former partner Kate Greville causing her actual bodily harm; and behaving in a controlling or coercive manner towards her between August 2017 and November 2020.

The former Wales international and United star has also pleaded not guilty common assault in relation to Kate's sister Emma Greville. The jury of seven women and five men were sent out to deliberate at 3.43pm on Tuesday - the twelfth day of the trial.