Ryan Giggs trial delayed due to lack of court space

Giggs' barrister said his client was 'extremely disappointed'

The trial of Ryan Giggs has been adjourned until August 8th due to a lack of space at Manchester Crown Court. The former Manchester United winger, currently Wales boss, was due to face trial on Monday 17 January, after being accused of coercive behaviour and assault against his ex-girlfriend and her sister. But a hearing was told there was no space in the building. The Wales manager was "extremely disappointed", his barrister, Chris Daw, QC, said. Judge Hilary Manley said on Tuesday: "Unfortunately it has become necessary to vacate this trial from the list. "The reason for this is because there is not a court available to accommodate this trial. "Due to the large backlog of court cases, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the need for social distancing, this is a situation which is a daily reality for the criminal courts." Giggs, 48, has pleaded not guilty controlling and coercive behaviour against his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020. He has also pleaded not guilty to 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. All parties agreed to the new start date for the trial, which will last a minimum of five days.