Ryan Giggs goes on trial accused of assaulting ex-girlfriend

Ryan Giggs, the former Manchester United footballer, is due to go on trial on Monday accused of attacking his ex-girlfriend and her sister.

Mr Giggs, 48, arrived at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, wading through a scrum of photographers.

Judge Hilary Manley adjourned proceedings to resume at 2pm local time after a jury has been selected.

“Unfortunately, we are experiencing delays getting a jury together,” she told the court.

After the break, she said picked 12 names - seven women and five men - from the jury panel and said the trial is expected to last two weeks.

Mr Giggs, a former Wales manager, faces charges of controlling and coercive behaviour against Kate Greville, 36, between August 2017 and November 2020.

Ryan Giggs celebrates with the Champions League trophy in 2008. PA Wire.

He is also charged with assaulting her and causing her actual bodily harm at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020. He is also charged with common assault against her younger sister, Emma, in the same alleged incident.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Peter Wright QC opened the case for the prosecution, saying "these events took place over a number of years" and involve "various incidents".

In June, Mr Giggs stepped down from his position as manager of the Wales national team.

The much-anticipated trial was scheduled to take place in January but was postponed until August owing to a backlog in cases caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Giggs is the most decorated player in English football history. He holds 32 trophies including 13 Premier League titles, three League Cup winner’s medals, four FA Cups and two Champions League titles.

He has two children with his ex-wife whom he divorced in 2017.