Ryan Giggs pleads not guilty to assaulting two women and controlling or coercive behaviour

Wales manager bailed to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 26 May

Former Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs has pleaded not guilty to all three charges against him during an appearance at court on Wednesday.

Giggs, 47, denied a charge he was violent and engaged in behaviour towards his ex-girlfriend including isolation, belittling, humiliation, harassment, degradation and abuse, a court heard.

He also entered a not guilty plea of actual bodily harm to PR executive Kate Greville, 36, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester on 1 November last year.

The Wales manager has also been charged with the common assault of Emma Greville, understood to be Ms Greville’s younger sister, during the same alleged incident.

The charge of controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship alleges the abuse lasted almost three years, between December 2017 and November 2020.

Giggs appeared in the dock at Manchester Magistrates’ Court for his first court appearance as the three charges against him were read out and he entered his not guilty pleas. 

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

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.

In a brief statement issued last week, Giggs said: “I have full respect for the due process of law and understand the seriousness of the allegations. I look forward to clearing my name.”

Referencing his replacement as Wales manager for this summer’s European Championships, he said: “I would like to wish Robert Page, the coaching staff, the players and the supporters every success at the Euros this summer.”

Additional reporting by PA