The trial of ex-Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs for "assault on his ex-girlfriend and her sister" has been rescheduled.

 Due to the continued backlog of court cases, the domestic violence trial of ex-Manchester United footballer and Wales coach Ryan Giggs has been postponed for seven months.

His hearing was scheduled for next Monday in Manchester Crown Court, but the venue does not have a courtroom ready to hear the case.

"Unfortunately, it has become necessary to vacate this trial from the list," Judge Hilary Manley remarked on Tuesday (January 18).

"This is due to the fact that there isn't a court accessible to hold this trial."

"This is a problem that the criminal courts face on a daily basis due to the massive backlog of court cases, which has been compounded by the epidemic and the necessity for social isolation."

Chris Daw QC, representing Giggs, said: 'I have of course explained the situation to him and he is extremely disappointed at the development.

 

'He is grateful efforts have been made to fix the earliest possible new date.'

 

Giggs, 47, who did not attend today's hearing, will now face trial on August 8.

 

The former footballer is accused of controlling and coercive behaviour against his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 36, between August 2017 and November 2020.

 

He is also accused of assaulting Ms. Greville causing her actual bodily harm, and common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.

At an earlier hearing at Manchester Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Andrea Griffiths said the assault charge was an alleged domestic assault against Ms. Greville involving a 'deliberate headbutt' aggravated by the fact Giggs was 'in drink'.

 

He was charged with offences in April and he issued a statement at the time, saying: 'I have full respect for the due process of law and understand the seriousness of the allegations. I will plead not guilty in court and look forward to clearing my name.' 

 

Giggs has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The former Manchester United midfielder is on bail on the conditions that he must not contact Kate or Emma Greville or go to any address where they are.

He is on leave from his position as manager of Wales who he won 64 caps for as a player.

 

In his time at Old Trafford, the club won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups, and three League Cups.

 

He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.