Prosecutors say it was 'no longer in the public interest' to pursue Ryan Giggs over domestic abuse allegations

Prosecutors have said it was 'no longer in the public interest' to pursue Ryan Giggs to trial over domestic abuse allegations. The Manchester United legend, 49, was due to face a re-trial on July 31 after a previous jury could not agree on their verdicts.

Giggs, the former manager of the Wales national team, was accused of displaying controlling and coercive behaviour towards his ex-partner Kate Greville. He was also accused of headbutting her, an allegation charged as assault occasioning actual bodily harm, as well as the common assault of her sister Emma Greville.

Kate Greville had 'indicated an unwillingness to give evidence again' at the re-trial, the court heard. Prosecutor Peter Wright KC said the 'process' had taken its toll on them (the complainants), but in particular on Kate Greville'.

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During a hearing at Manchester Crown Court today (Tuesday), prosecutors offered no evidence and Giggs was found not guilty on all counts. He was excused from having to attend court for this morning's hearing.

On his behalf, his barrister Chris Daw KC said the former United manager was 'deeply relieved that the prosecution has finally come to an end'. "The position is that he has always been innocent of these charges," Mr Daw said.

"There have been very many lies told about him during the course of this investigation and prosecution." Mr Daw said Giggs will now 'look to rebuild his life and career as an innocent man'.

Now the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has issued a statement after Giggs was cleared. A CPS spokesperson said: "At all stages we keep cases under careful review, to ensure our legal test is met. This means there must