GIGGS BID TO RESTART CAREER

Case collapses after three years

- PAUL BYRNE

RYAN Giggs has vowed to restart his football career after he was found not guilty of headbutting his ex-girlfriend yesterday following the collapse of the case.

A retrial was due to start this month but the complainant, Kate Greville, 39, was unwilling to give evidence due to the toll the first trial last August had on her "mental and physical wellbeing".

Now Giggs, who stepped down as boss of the Welsh national team last year, is hoping to bounce back. A source said: "His intention is to resume his managerial and coaching career.

"He's got unfinished business in the game. The last three years his life has been put on hold, but he's a huge football man. He's been found not guilty and wants to get back into the game.

"He's football through and through.

Giggs, 49, was arrested in November 2020 after Kate claimed he headbutted her during a row. Her sister, Emma Greville, 27, alleged he had elbowed her in the jaw during the same bust-up.

The Man United legend was charged with using coercive and controlling behaviour against Kate, assaulting her, causing actual bodily harm, and the common assault of Emma.

He denied all the charges. After a trial at Manchester crown court, the jury failed to reach verdicts and was discharged. Judge Hilary Manley ordered a retrial, which was due to start on July 31. But at a pre-trial hearing yesterday, Peter Wright KC, prosecuting, said Kate had "indicated an unwillingness to give evidence.

Kate had said the first trial had "taken its toll" on her and Emma.