Ryan Giggs to appear in court on assault charges

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs appeared in court today to face charges of coercive control and assaulting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville and her sister during a 'row' at his £1.7million mansion.

The Wales manager, 47, was seen arriving at Manchester Magistrates Court wearing a black suit, white shirt and a dark blue tie, surrounded by a large security escort.

Giggs is accused of causing actual bodily harm to Ms Greville, 36, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1. He has also been charged with the common assault against Ms Greville's younger sister during the same alleged incident.

There was no sign of either woman at today's hearing.

Giggs faces an additional charge of engaging in coercive or controlling behaviour against Ms Greville in their relationship between December 2017 and November 2020.

Giggs, who spoke only to confirm his name, address and enter his not guilty pleas, has been bailed to appear at Manchester Crown Court on May 26.

His conditions of bail are he must not contact Kate or Emma Greville or go to any address where they are.

The hearing, lasting 13 minutes, dealt with procedural matters as the case was sent to the crown court for a further hearing.

Prosecutor Andrea Griffiths said there was a pattern of 'controlling behaviour' from Giggs.

He added that he Giggs 'isolated' Kate from her 'work colleagues and friends' and he subjected her to 'degrading treatment' designed to 'keep her in the relationship'.

The court heard that Giggs was drunk when he headbutted Kate. The prosecutor said count two 'was aggravated by the fact of the domestic nature and the fact that he was in drink at the time'.

Ms Griffiths added that 'there was fear of violence on many occasions'.

Last week it was revealed Giggs had found love with a lingerie model who has 'supported' him through the charges.

The 47-year-old was photographed holding hands with Zara Charles, 33, in Hale, Cheshire, during an afternoon walk.

Giggs has been released on bail ahead of the court appearance. The star denies all claims made against him.

He last when the charges were announced: '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.'

Police were called to Giggs' address at 10.05pm on November 1 to reports of a disturbance. A woman in her 30s was treated for injuries at the scene.

The former footballer was arrested and later bailed pending further inquiries.

Giggs met Kate in 2013 after she helped promote his Hotel Football venue, launched with ex-United teammate Gary Neville.

Giggs went public with the relationship with Ms Greville in 2018 after whisking her away for a holiday in Italy, eight months after his divorce.

He divorced his wife Stacey in December 2017 and they finalised a £40million settlement after he cheated on her with model and Big Brother star Imogen Thomas during their 10-year marriage.

Giggs has missed Wales' recent Nations League fixtures, following his arrest late last year.

In April 2018 Ms Greville was appointed head of PR and communications for GG Hospitality, the hospitality management firm co-owned by Giggs and former United team-mate Gary Neville.

She was involved in the launch of their Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester city centre before she took up a new PR consultancy post last July with a former employer.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has announced caretaker boss Robert Page will manage the country at this summer's European Championship finals.

Giggs won 64 caps for Wales and had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 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.

Giggs initially stood down from managing the Welsh national team following his arrest in November.

The Welsh FA then announced caretaker boss Robert Page would continue to manage the side at this summer's European Championship finals.