'There was, we say, as the facts of this case reveal, a much uglier and more sinister side to his character'

PROSECUTOR TELLS COURT UNITED LEGEND ASSAULTED AND USED COERCIVE AND CONTROLLING BEHAVIOUR AGAINST EX-GIRLFRIEND

- ANDREW BARDSLEY

RYAN Giggs subjected his ex-girlfriend to 'systematic' physical and psychological attacks over more than three years and headbutted her when she tried to break up with him, prosecutors have alleged.

Mr Giggs, 48, has gone on trial accused of displaying controlling and coercive behaviour towards Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020, as well as assaulting her when she vowed to split up.

Mr Giggs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and says he never assaulted her during their relationship.

A jury of seven women and five men was sworn in as the trial of the former United and Wales star began at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday.

Prosecuting, Peter Wright QC said Mr Giggs was 'idolised' by fans but that the case would show a 'much uglier and more sinister side to his character.'

"He is, as you may know, a former professional footballer of considerable repute," Mr Wright said.

"He was idolised and still is by adoring fans and supporters. On the pitch his skills were abundant and a thing of beauty. Off the pitch in the privacy of his own personal life and home, or behind closed doors, there was, we say, as the facts of this case reveal, a much uglier and more sinister side to his character.

"This, we say, was a private life that involved a litany of abuse, both physical and psychological, of a woman that he professed to love.

"A woman who, in reality, was, if the evidence is to be believed, treated in a way that cannot be excused or overlooked, by either an adoring public, or the law."

Mr Wright alleged that Mr Giggs subjected Ms Greville, said to be 10 years his junior, to 'systematic and at times violent abuse.'

"This is a story of control and coercion of a woman who thought she was loved and respected," the QC said. "Sadly the reality was very different."