Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs, adored by fans over a 24-year career, has a more sinister side to his character, prosecutors said Monday as he stood trial on charges of assault and coercive behavior against an ex-girlfriend . Prosecutor Peter Wright told jurors at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester that while Giggs’ footballing skills were fine, his life off the pitch was very different. “In the privacy of his personal life at home or behind closed doors, there was, we say the facts reveal, a much uglier and more sinister side of his character,” Wright told the jury. “This was a private life that included a litany of abuse, both physical and psychological, of a woman he professed to love.” Giggs, 48, is accused of assaulting Kate Greville, 36, and causing her actual bodily harm at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester in November 2020. He is also accused of jointly assaulting Greville’s younger sister in the same incident, as and using controlling and coercive behavior towards his ex-girlfriend between August 2017 and November 2020. Giggs has denied all charges. He stepped down as manager of the Wales national team in June, saying he did not want to jeopardize preparations for the World Cup later this year in Qatar. He had been on leave since November. Wright said the case stems from an incident on November 1, 2020, which began when Giggs and Greville were out with friends at the Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester. During the evening, Greville decided to end their relationship because of Giggs’ behavior and because she knew he was cheating on her. Greville left the hotel early, planning to return to the home she shared with Giggs, grab her belongings and leave before he came home, Wright said. Greville asked her sister to meet her at home for support. The plan failed because Giggs returned home earlier than expected and argued with Greville as he tried to stop her from leaving. A physical altercation began when Greville took Giggs’ cellphone to use as a bargaining chip and Giggs tried to grab her device, Wright said. Greville’s sister elbowed him in the jaw after he tried to intervene, he said. “At that stage, we say, the defendant completely lost his self-control and deliberately struck Kate’s head, causing a swollen lip and bruising,” the prosecutor said. The Morning Update and Afternoon Update newsletters are written by Globe editors, giving you a concise summary of the day’s most important headlines. Sign up today.
