Former Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs was “idolized” for his skills on the pitch, but behind closed doors he had “a much uglier and more sinister side to his character,” a court has heard.
Urkers at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court were told the 48-year-old’s private life was a “litany of abuse, both physical and psychological, from a woman he claimed to love”.
Giggs is accused of using controlling and coercive behavior against ex-girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020.
He is also charged with assaulting the 36-year-old, causing her actual bodily harm, and the habitual assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Former Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs arrives at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, where he is charged with controlling and coercive behavior against ex-girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020. Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Prosecutor Peter Wright QC, who opened the case on Monday, said of the defendant: “He was idolized by his adoring fans and supporters. On the pitch, his skills were abundant and a thing of beauty.
“Off the field, in the privacy of his own personal life at home or behind closed doors, there was, the facts say, a much uglier and sinister side to his character.
“This was a private life that involved a litany of abuse, both physical and psychological, from a woman he claimed to love.
“A woman who in reality, if we are to believe the evidence, was treated in a way that cannot be excused or overlooked, neither by an adoring public nor by the law.
“This is a story of control and coercion from a woman who thought she was loved and respected; unfortunately the reality was very different.”
The lawyer continued: “Finally, after years of turbulence, when the scales fell from her eyes, she realized she had to move out of his sphere of influence.”
Mr Wright said the result of this decision to escape was the incident on Nov. 1, 2020, when Giggs “lost control” and headbutted Ms. Greville.
While she was with friends at the Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester that evening, Ms Greville decided to end their relationship, Mr Wright said.
He said: “She knew that the defendant had cheated on her again.
“The suspect’s behavior towards her that evening led to her taking that decision and leaving early. Before returning home, she informed her sister of her plan by text message.
“She planned to leave before he got back from the hotel. The plan didn’t work.
“When she vacated the defendant’s home address, he came back and started arguing with her and tried to stop her from leaving.”
The prosecutor said she used his phone as a “bargain” to try and persuade him not to stop her from going.
A heated argument ensued, and Giggs then tried to reach for her phone, which was later found on a fence post in the property’s yard, Mr Wright said.
In the altercation that followed, they struggled to the floor together before Mrs. Greville’s sister entered, the court heard.
Mr Wright said: “She (Emma Greville) tried to pull the defendant off her sister. We say that the defendant deliberately pushed her in the jaw because of her pain, making her uncomfortable and shocked that he would incite violence against her and her sister.
“The argument between the defendant and Kate Greville moved to the kitchen. The couple continued to argue over her cell phone.
“At that stage, we say, the defendant completely lost his temper and deliberately headbutted Kate, causing her lips to swell and bruise. Emma then called the police, who arrived on the scene.”
Giggs stepped down as manager of the Wales national team in June after a period of leave since November 2020.
During his 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 co-owns Salford City in League Two.