Ex-Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs ' retrial later this month on domestic violence charges has been abandoned after lawyers withdrew the prosecution.

Ryan, 49, was due to go on trial for a second time on 31 July, accused of controlling or coercive behaviour towards his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 39, between August 2017 and November 2020.

He was also accused of assault by “losing control” and headbutting her, as well as the common assault of Ms Greville’s sister, Emma, by elbowing her in the jaw, during a row at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on 1 November, 2020.

He denied the offences and underwent a month-long trial, ending last August when the jury failed to reach any verdicts. Prosecutors then sought and were granted an application for a retrial, scheduled to begin on 31 July, after telling Judge Hilary Manley the complainants were willing to give evidence at a second trial.

Upon confirmation of the retrial last year, Ryan shared his "disappointment". In a statement responding to a judge’s decision, he said: “After more than three weeks in court I am obviously disappointed that a retrial has been ordered.

“My not guilty plea remains in relation to all charges. I am confident that justice will eventually be done and my name will be cleared of all the allegations.

“I would like to thank my legal team, my mum, my children, my girlfriend Zara, as well as my closest friends, for their support throughout this period.

“I understand the level of interest and the scrutiny around this case, but I would like to ask that my and my family’s privacy is respected in the weeks and months ahead.”

But on Tuesday (18 July), prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) were now not proceeding with the case, as reported by PA.

During Giggs’ time at Old Trafford, Manchester United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups, and three League Cups.

Giggs stood down as manager of the Wales national team following a period of leave from November 2020. He won 64 caps for Wales and is co-owner of League Two side Salford.

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