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    ‘Disappointed’ Ryan Giggs pictured as he vows to clear his name at retrial over ‘headbutting girlfriend Kate Greville’

    RYAN Giggs today said he is “disappointed” to be facing a retrial over accusations he headbutted his ex-girlfriend – but vowed to clear his name. The former footballer, 48, allegedly attacked PR exec Kate Greville, 38, and coercively controlled her over a three-year period.
    Ryan Giggs driving in Cheshire after hearing he is going to face a retrial next yearCredit: Zenpix
    Ryan Giggs leaving court after his trial collapsed on August 31Credit: PP.
    The former footballer allegedly headbutted his ex-girlfriend Kate GrevilleCredit: Tim Stewart
    He stood trial last month facing charges of actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour against her between December 2017 and November 2020.
    He also denied the common assault by beating of Kate’s sister Emma on November 1, 2020.
    But, after three weeks of evidence and 22 hours and 59 minutes of deliberations, jurors failed to reach a verdict and the trial collapsed.
    At a case management hearing at Manchester Crown Court this morning, a judge ruled the ex-Wales boss will be retried on domestic violence charges next year.
    READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGS
    In a statement in response to the decision, Giggs 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.”
    Most read in The Sun
    A trial date was set for July 31, 2023 – 143 weeks and one day after he was arrested.
    Giggs, who is on bail, did not appear, but was spotted behind the wheel of his Range Rover in Cheshire just 30 minutes later.
    During last month’s explosive trial that saw the sports star break down in tears, Kate claimed she became “a slave to his every need”.
    She said Giggs “made me feel like I had to do what he said, otherwise there were consequences” – which he denied.
    The court heard how Kate confronted her then-partner about his infidelity after finding “evidence” he had cheated on her with eight women when he allegedly headbutted her in the face.
    In later messages read out to the jury this rose to at least 12, and the former Manchester United ace’s love life was laid bare as he admitted he had never been faithful to any woman, including Kate and ex-wife Stacey Giggs.
    Jurors were also told how the couple exchanged 19,671 messages during their relationship.
    In one, he told Kate: “I’ll stalk you like mad – I’m good at that”, while in another he warned her: “I’m so f***ing mad… I am scaring myself. I could do anything.”
    He was also accused of bombarding her with sexual texts and threatening to publicly share X-rated videos of them together if she didn’t reply.
    Kate said in a police statement, which was read out in court: “He wouldn’t leave me alone.”
    ‘HE WOULDN’T LEAVE ME ALONE’
    Giggs later admitted he is unable to resist an “attractive woman” – regardless of whether he’s in a relationship.
    He later confessed that he lied to former wife Stacey and other girlfriends, including Kate, “many times” – but denied being controlling.
    Moments after he began giving evidence, Chris Daw QC, defending, asked: “You’re known in news articles as a love cheat. Is that reputation justified?”
    Giggs – who confirmed he’s a “flirt by nature” – replied: “Yes.”
    The barrister said: “In the course of your relationship with women, have you managed to be faithful to any of them?”
    The footballer said: “No.”
    He was also accused of cheating on Kate with a mystery cricketer’s wife, having “full on relationships” with several others, and even plotting threesomes with a woman named Charlotte.
    But former Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Giggs a “quiet boy” with a “fantastic temperament” who was the “best example” at the club.
    He claimed he was “very much a gentleman” and insisted he had “never even seen him raise his voice”.
    Read More on The Sun
    Giggs won 64 caps for Wales and had a lengthy playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
    He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
    Kate claimed she became ‘a slave to Giggs’ every need’ during the trialCredit: Tim Stewart
    Giggs denied all charges against himCredit: Reuters
    Giggs was seen behind the wheel of his Range Rover earlier todayCredit: Zenpix
    Ryan Giggs and ex-wife Stacey Giggs at an awards show in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Jurors were also told how the couple exchanged 19,671 messages during their relationshipCredit: Tim Stewart
    A court artist sketch of Giggs watching his ex give evidence on police video in courtCredit: PA More

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    Footage of drunken Benjamin Mendy dancing on nightclub table four days before he was charged with rape shown to jury

    FOOTAGE of a drunken Benjamin Mendy dancing on a nightclub table four days before he was charged with rape was shown to a jury yesterday.The CCTV clip showed the £52million Manchester City defender bare-chested and with his trousers pulled down.
    Footage of a drunken Benjamin Mendy dancing on a nightclub table four days before he was charged with rape was shown to a jury yesterdayCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
    It was played yesterday during cross-examination of a witness who said she was raped at the player’s home a month earlier.
    Mendy’s lawyer, Eleanor Laws QC, said the woman could be seen offering an arm to him and was at ease in his presence.
    Ms Laws accused her of copying a rape allegation made by a friend but the witness said: “I am not stood here to lie.”
    Ms Laws went on to accuse the witness of “making it up as you go along” because she could not explain why she returned to Mendy’s home 11 times after the alleged rape.
    Read more on Benjamin Mendy
    She replied: “I was trying to block it out of my mind and forget about it.”
    Mendy, 28, denies eight rapes and other charges.
    His trial continues at Chester crown court.
    Most read in Football More

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    Aldi worker faces being ONLY woman in Britain to banned from ALL footie grounds after hurling flare onto pitch

    A FAN who hurled a flare onto the pitch faces being the only woman in Britain banned from all footie grounds.
    Abbie-Leigh Reay, 23, threw the missile towards the ref when her team Tranmere went 3-0 down in a League Two fixture against Forest Green.
    Abbie-Leigh Reay faces being the only woman in Britain to be banned from all football grounds
    She was caught on CCTV as she threw her arms up in celebration.
    Police later stopped the Aldi worker as she was leaving Tranmere’s stadium following her team’s 4-0 defeat in January.
    At Sefton magistrates’ court, Reay, of Bebington, Merseyside, denied throwing a missile onto a football playing area.
    But she was convicted and could be banned from visiting any UK sports ground. She will be sentenced this month.
    Read More on The Sun
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    Benjamin Mendy ‘rape victim’, 19, recalls through tears ‘moment she woke to him on top of her after going to bed alone’

    ONE of Benjamin Mendy’s alleged rape victims tearfully told detectives how she woke up with him on top of her after going to bed alone. The then-19-year-old said she had been drinking champagne with the Manchester City footballer, 28, and his pals at a nightclub before heading to his Cheshire mansion.
    Benjamin Mendy arriving at Chester Crown CourtCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
    The Manchester City footballer is accused of rape, attempted rape and sexual assaultCredit: © Andrew Price / View Finder Pi
    After spending time in the swimming pool, she said she became sleepy and went up to a top floor bedroom at the house in Mottram St Andrew near Prestbury.
    The woman changed out of the bikini she had brought with her and into her underwear and fell asleep, alone, in the double bed.
    In her police interview, played to jurors today at Chester Crown Court, the witness, breaking down in tears, said: “I woke up to find Ben on top of me, but I was on my side.
    “It was horrific, I was on my period.
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    Ryan Giggs seen with new girlfriend for first time after domestic abuse trial for attacking ex Kate Greville collapses

    RYAN Giggs was today spotted with his new girlfriend for the first time since his domestic abuse trial against his ex collapsed.The former footballer, 48, was accused of headbutting Kate Greville, 38, and coercively controlling her over a three-year period.
    Ryan Giggs seen with girlfriend Zara Charles for the first time after his domestic abuse court case collapsedCredit: Splash
    The former footballer and blonde model were seen driving through CheshireCredit: Splash
    Zara out walking the dog on September 3Credit: Splash
    But, after 22 hours and 59 minutes of deliberations, jurors failed to reach a verdict and they were dismissed on Wednesday.
    Giggs, who was warned he may be waiting until June for any future trial, appeared to keep a low profile in the days that followed.
    However, the ex-Wales boss and his new partner Zara Charles were seen going for a drive earlier today.
    Former Manchester United star Giggs looked concerned as the pair travelled through Cheshire.
    READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGS
    Just hours earlier, model Zara, dressed in black joggers and a white vest, took her dog for a walk.
    The couple, who have been dating since at least last year, jetted to Portugal for a holiday just days before his trial began.
    They were spotted soaking up the sun and frolicking in the sea before flying home to face Manchester Crown Court last month.
    Giggs was charged with attacking PR exec Kate and coercive and controlling behaviour against her between December 2017 and November 2020.
    Most read in The Sun
    He denied the charges, as well as an allegation of common assault by beating of Kate’s sister Emma, 26.
    Jurors were unable to reach a verdict and the trial collapsed on August 31.
    A hearing will be held on September 7, which Giggs does not need to attend, but any future trial may not take place until next year.
    During the explosive trial that saw the sports star break down in tears, Kate claimed she became “a slave to his every need”.
    She also said Giggs “made me feel like I had to do what he said, otherwise there were consequences”.
    Emma said her sister was planning to leave him while he was away on touring duties after finding “evidence” he had cheated on her with eight women.
    In later messages read out to the jury this rose to at least 12, and Giggs’ love life was laid bare as he admitted he had never been faithful to any woman, including Kate and ex-wife Stacey.
    Describing the night he allegedly headbutted his then-partner, Emma said there was “physical contact” and “his face was in line with hers”.
    “From her facial expressions I could tell she was in pain,” Emma added.
    ‘GET HIM OFF ME’
    Kate then yelled “get him off me” and he retreated, but he quickly went from “annoyed to extremely angry” and put both his hands on Kate’s shoulders and headbutted her in the lip, the court was told.
    Jurors also heard how the couple exchanged 19,671 messages during their six-year relationship.
    In one, he told Kate: “I’ll stalk you like mad – I’m good at that”, while in another he warned her: “I will come to yours and I will get in.”
    A third read: “I’m so f***ing mad… I am scaring myself. I could do anything.”
    He was also accused of bombarding her with sexual texts and threatening to publicly share X-rated videos of them together if she didn’t reply.
    Others were cringe-worthy poems in which he told Kate she made him “as hard as a totem pole” and praised her legs and vivaciousness.
    Kate said in a police statement, which was read out in court: “He wouldn’t leave me alone.”
    The former Wales boss leaving Manchester Crown CourtCredit: PP.
    The former Manchester United footballer’s ex-girlfriend Kate GrevilleCredit: Refer to Caption
    Giggs was charged with attacking the PR exec and coercive and controlling behaviour against herCredit: Tim Stewart
    Jurors were also told how Giggs is unable to resist an “attractive woman” – regardless of whether he’s in a relationship.
    And he admitted that he lied to former wife Stacey and other girlfriends, including Kate, “many times”.
    Moments after he began giving evidence, Chris Daw QC, defending, asked: “You’re known in news articles as a love cheat. Is that reputation justified?”
    Giggs – who confirmed he’s a “flirt by nature” – replied: “Yes.”
    The barrister said: “In the course of your relationship with women, have you managed to be faithful to any of them?”
    The footballer said: “No.”
    He was also accused of cheating on Kate with a mystery cricketer’s wife, having “full on relationships” with several others, and even plotting threesomes with a woman named Charlotte.
    Read More on The Sun
    Giggs won 64 caps for Wales and had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
    He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
    Kate, 38, accused her former partner of cheating on her with 12 other womenCredit: Jim Clarke – The Sun
    Her sister said she found evidence of him being unfaithful and wanted to leave himCredit: TWITTER/KATE GREVILLE
    Giggs praised his then-girlfriend’s ‘vivaciousness’ in a cringe-worthy poemCredit: Tim Stewart More

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    Ryan Giggs sells £1.7million mansion where he is accused of head-butting former girlfriend Kate Greville

    RYAN Giggs has sold the £1.7million mansion where he is accused of head-butting his former girlfriend.The Manchester United great, 48, managed to offload the Tudor-style pad weeks before he went on trial over the allegations.
    Ryan Giggs has sold the £1.7million mansion where he is accused of head-butting his former girlfriendCredit: PP.
    Giggs is believed to have bought the property in 2001 for £545,000Credit: Neil Jones – The Sun
    A source said: “He just wanted to get rid of it and put it behind him.
    “He loved that place and had owned it for over 20 years but he knew it needed to go.”
    Former Wales manager Giggs is believed to have bought the property in 2001 for £545,000 and his mum lived there for several years.
    He and girlfriend Kate Greville, 38, lived at the five-bedroom house in Worsley, Gtr Manchester, from March 2020 and throughout lockdown.
    Read More on Ryan Giggs
    But police were called on ­November 1 of that year following a bust-up and Giggs was taken away in the back of a police van.
    He was accused of attacking Kate and of coercively controlling her for three years.
    His trial ended this week with the Manchester crown court jury unable to reach a verdict.
    Giggs, who will find out next week whether he faces a retrial, put the property on the market on March 31, 2021, but struggled to sell it, even though it had the wow ­factor.
    Most read in Football
    The pad has been described as: “An elegant Tudor-style detached home.
    “Located within one of the areas most prestigious and sought after gated developments.”
    A sale was finalised in June, while his trial started on August 8.
    Read More on The Sun
    The house is on the same street as a property he shared with ex-wife Stacey before she learnt of his eight-year affair with his brother Rhodri’s wife and his relationship with Kate.
    He sold it last year for a knockdown £3million — two years after putting it on the market.
    Giggs and girlfriend Kate Greville lived at the five-bedroom house from March 2020 and throughout lockdownCredit: BackGrid
    Giggs will find out next week whether he faces a retrial over allegations made by ex KateCredit: pixel8000 More

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    Speeding ‘drug dealer’ almost knocked over Newcastle United owners during chase with bike outside stadium

    NEWCASTLE United’s owners narrowly avoided a motorbike collision yesterday evening and were “shaken up” by the “scary incident”.Amanda Staveley and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi were inches from harm when a high speed scrambler bike ploughed recklessly through terrified football fans at Anfield on Wednesday night.
    Newcastle’s owners Amanda Staveley and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi narrowly escaped harm last nightCredit: Rex
    Former England defender Danny Mills also witnessed the danger but was unhurtCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Police have now arrested the two men on the motorbike – one a suspected drug dealer thought to be caught up in a chase – but there was chaos and confusion 90 minutes before kickoff yesterday.
    Supporters scarpered at the horrific sight and sound of the oncoming vehicle, fearing for their lives.
    Two balaclava-clad men riding it tore through the throng of spectators arriving ahead of the 8pm Liverpool v Newcastle game, causing fans, including children, to scramble out of its path.
    The ownership party were also in the sea of red and striped shirts filling the pedestrian area of Stanley Park and witnessed the motorcycle whizz dangerously past them.
    Read more Football
    Mehrdad Ghodoussi told Sportsmail: “The bike flew right by us and could have hit us easily. It was a scary incident.
    “Amanda was pretty shaken up but calmed down once we got inside the stadium.
    “Thankfully, it appears serious injuries were avoided. But it could have been far worse, the bike drove straight into the crowd.”
    But not everyone was as lucky as Newcastle’s owners, as the zooming bike hit and injured several people in the crowd.
    Most read in The Sun
    One fan was rushed to hospital in an ambulance, while another supporter, thought to be a middle-aged man, was left in a “bad way” and struggling to breathe, according to a witness.
    Witnesses told how the engine’s loud noise alerted fans to the nearing danger but the crowd was so tightly-packed they couldn’t see it coming. One fan said it was incredible no one was killed.
    Luckily, heroic police managed to knock the thugs from the motorbike before anyone suffered anything worse – or fatal.
    The two men were both arrested at the scene by officers for a handful of offences.
    Merseyside Police confirmed that no members of the public were seriously injured but one of the riders was treated for facial and shoulder injuries after being thrown off the bike.
    A 30-year-old man who was riding the bike was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and suspected theft of a motor vehicle.
    The 23-year-old passenger, also male, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, suspected theft of a motor vehicle and other driving offences.
    The club’s owners weren’t the only famous faces to feel the fear of Wednesday night’s crowd.
    It could have been so much worse.Danny MillsFormer England defender
    Former England defender Danny Mills also escaped being hit in the thick throng of people.
    He said: “I had picked up my media accreditation and was walking back towards the stadium on the corner of Stanley Park when, all of a sudden, I heard this ridiculous motorbike sound.
    “It had squeezed through a gap and into a pedestrian area that was packed with supporters.
    “A couple of people were hit on the way through before the police managed to knock them off the bike. But it could have been so much worse.
    “It was an area full of supporters, including children. They were going at some speed and you really feared for people’s safety.”
    A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: ‘We have arrested two males following an incident outside Anfield stadium on Wednesday August 31, in which a scrambler bike was reported to have been in contact with pedestrians.
    “The scrambler bike, which was being ridden by two males wearing balaclavas, is believed to have been involved in a chase with an electric bike through 97 Avenue and Dahlia Walk, close to Liverpool’s ground, at around 6.30pm.
    “The scrambler is believed to have made contact with a number of pedestrians before being brought to a stop by an officer outside the ground.
    “The stop caused the rider and passenger to fall off and they were both arrested.
    “There are no reports of any members of the public being seriously injured. One of the riders of the bike suffered facial and shoulder injuries and has received medical treatment.
    “The rider of the bike, a 30-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of S5 RTA (drug driving), causing serious injury by dangerous driving and suspected theft of a motor vehicle.
    “The passenger, a 23-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, suspected theft of a motor vehicle and other driving offences.
    “The bike has been recovered and enquiries into the incident are ongoing. The incident has been voluntarily referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
    Read More on The Sun
    The Premier League game ended in a 2-1 victory to Liverpool at their home ground, after securing the most crucial of victories in the 98th minute.
    The Reds had to come from behind after Alexander Isak netted on his Toon debut just hours after being granted a work permit to play the match.
    The match ended in a 2-1 victory to Liverpool at their home groundCredit: Getty
    Luckily the ownership party was unharmed although other fans were not so luckyCredit: Getty More

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    Mourners gather to bid farewell to Tyson Fury’s cousin after Rico Burton, 31, stabbed to death

    MOURNERS have today gathered to bid farewell to Tyson Fury’s cousin after he was stabbed to death. Crowds followed a horse-drawn carriage and other trailers with floral messages for Rico Burton, 31, including one spelling his name and another calling him “BOYO”.
    Mourners have gathered to bid farewell to Tyson Fury’s cousin
    Rico Burton was stabbed last month
    A floral display spells out Rico’s name
    Two mourners arrive to pay their respectsCredit: LNP
    Mr Burton was fatally stabbed outside a bar on Goose Green in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of August 21. 
    Tributes poured in for Mr Burton after his death, led by the boxer’s heavyweight champ cousin Tyson Fury. 
    In his tribute, the boxing champ said: “Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick. Enjoy every moment.”
    The two-time world heavyweight champion, from Wythenshawe, also called for an end to knife crime in a post on his social media channels following his cousin’s tragic death.
    Today, Mr Burton’s family and friends bid him an emotional goodbye during a service at St Michael’s Church in Urmston.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    Pictures showed mourners arriving for the service earlier on carriages and trailers. One was being pulled by a horse.
    One trailer carried a huge, white floral arrangement, while another carried flowers that spelt out his name. Dozens are expected to turn out to pay their respects to Mr Burton at the service.
    Speaking after Mr Burton’s death, Shaun Egan, who previously coached Mr Burton at Jimmy Egan’s Boxing Academy, described him as “such a nice lad”.
    Mr Egan said: “He was an absolute talent. He was such a nice lad, he was hard-working and had a great sense of humour.
    Most read in The Sun
    “What’s happened is just awful. He was just a great guy. To hear he has died like this is devastating.”
    Liam O’Prey, 21, of no fixed address, has been charged with his murder and a string of other offences.
    Mr O’Prey appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Friday charged with Mr Burton’s murder. He faces four counts relating to the same incident.
    Mr O’Prey is accused of murder; unlawful wounding with intention to cause grievous bodily harm; possession of a bladed article; namely a knife; and possession of cocaine. 
    Read More on The Sun
    He could go on trial at the beginning of next year and has been remanded into custody. 
    A 17-year-old was also seriously wounded in the incident and was given life-saving treatment at the scene, police said.
    People walk next to a horse-drawn carriageCredit: LNP
    One message reads ‘rest in perfect peace’
    A horse drawn carriage was used in the procession
    Tyson Fury has called for an end to knife crime More