On Monday, August 8, the ex-football player Ryan Giggs’ trial will begin. Giggs is accused of abusing and dominating his ex-girlfriend.
In light of Manchester Crown Court closed this week owing to testing for the possibly hazardous chemical, arrangements for the case were finalized today.
The 10-day trial will begin at Manchester Minshull Street, the other crown court in the city, according to a decision by Judge Hilary Manley. On Tuesday, it will continue at Manchester Crown Court.
Giggs, 48, is accused of using controlling and coercive behaviour against Kate Greville, 36, between August 2017 and November 2020.
He is also charged with assaulting Ms. Greville, causing her actual bodily harm, and of the common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1 2020. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Last week HM Courts and Tribunals Service said Manchester Crown Court would be temporarily closed due to a ‘building issue’.
A number of cases were later switched from the Crown Square building to Minshull Street and also Bolton Crown Court.
In a brief hearing at Minshull Street today, Judge Manley said jurors would be sworn in on Monday, with the prosecution opening to follow.
Barristers in the case appeared remotely to deal with the preparatory matters, while Giggs was not required to attend.
The former Manchester United and Wales International Footballer was due to face trial in January, but the hearing was put back due to the ongoing backlog of court cases exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last month, he stood down as manager of the Wales national team following a period of leave since November 2020.
During Giggs’ time at Old Trafford, Manchester United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
He won 64 caps for Wales and is co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
