Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Giggs in ‘drunken headbutt on lover’
Man Utd legend denies charges of assaulting & coercing ex-girlfriend
RYAN Giggs has appeared in court to deny drunkenly headbutting his then-girlfriend, assaulting her sister and being controlling.
The Man United legend was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in coercive behaviour towards Kate Greville.
The charge read to Giggs yesterday alleged that had included “isolation, belittling, humiliation, harassment, degradation and abuse”.
Giggs, 47, also pleaded not guilty to actual bodily harm of PR executive Kate, 36, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester on November 1 last year.
The court heard he had headbutted her “in drink”. He also denied common assault against her sister Emma Greville during the same alleged incident.
The alleged coercive behaviour, which is said to have had “a serious effect” on
Kate, related to the three years from December 1, 2017, to November 2, 2020.
The full charges were read to Giggs, who was wearing a dark suit and tie. He confirmed his name, address and entered not guilty pleas in the 13-minute hearing at Manchester magistrates court. Andrea Griffiths, prosecuting, said
Giggs was involved in a “deliberate headbutt” on Kate when he was “in drink”, aggravated by the domestic background.
Ian Lewis, defending, said: “Obviously there will be issues in relation to disputing the offences and allegations made by the complainant.”
After he was charged, Giggs said he
DEFENDANT Artist image of Giggs had “full respect for the due process of law”, understood the seriousness of the allegations and looked forward to clearing his name.
He was bailed to appear at Manchester crown court on May 26. Giggs was told he cannot contact Kate or Emma Greville or go to any address where he believes them to be.
Giggs, who won 13 Premier League titles with Man Utd, is manager of Wales’ national team. Caretaker boss Robert Page will manage the side for the European Championship finals this summer.
Giggs, who co-owns League Two side Salford City, was divorced from ex-wife Stacey in December 2017.
After an hour in the court building, Giggs reappeared and leapt into a Porsche which drove off.
There will be issues in relation to disputing the offences and allegations made IAN LEWIS DEFENDING GIGGS AGAINST ASSAULT AND COERCION CHARGES