Ex-United star accused of assaulting wife
EX-UNITED player Nicky Butt has appeared in court charged with assault by beating and criminal damage.
The former midfielder, 44, denied assaulting his wife Shelley Butt and damaging her £800 Apple iPhone 7 at a Manchester magistrates court hearing.
The charges relate to an incident on April 16.
The Class of 92 member and joint Salford City owner is accused of assaulting Mrs Butt ‘by beating her,’ court documents state.
Mr Butt, currently United’s head of first team development, is also charged with criminal damage.
The charge sheet reads: “On April 16, without lawful excuse, damaged an Apple iPhone 7 to the value of £800 belonging to Shelley Butt intending to destroy property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged.”
Mr Butt, dressed in a grey coat and white shirt and tie, spoke only to confirm his name and address from the dock.
He was represented by Lisa Roberts QC during the short hearing. Ms Roberts told Judge James Hatton her client, who is of ‘previous good character,’ ‘strenuously denies’ the allegations. She requested the trial should be heard in front of a district judge.
Prosecutor Joanne Cronshaw requested a two-day trial.
An initial trial date was proposed, but Mr Butt’s team said he had already booked a holiday with his children. Mr Butt, of Bowdon, Trafford, denies a charge of assault by beating and a charge of criminal damage.
He was granted unconditional bail.
Mr Butt will next appear at Manchester magistrates court on February 27 next year for a trial.
A pre-trial review will take place on January 9.