Former Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs has been found not guilty of domestic abuse and will not face a retrial over allegations he assaulted his ex-girlfriend.
Giggs, 48, was cleared of all charges after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped their case once hs previous partner Kate Greville withdrew her cooperation from the case.
The retired footballer turned Wales coach was accused of controlling and coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault against Greville’s sister, Emma. Incidents allegedly included headbutting his ex-girlfriend and elbowing her sister during an altercation in Worsley on 1 November 2020.
The retrial had been due to start at Manchester Crown Court on 31 July after jurors failed to reach a verdict following more than 20 hours of deliberations in his initial four-week trial in August 2022, but the decision to drop the case was made by the CPS following a pre-trial review on Tuesday morning.
BREAKING: Ryan Giggs' trial abandoned as charges withdrawn.
Giggs was found not guilty after the charges were withdrawn ahead of the scheduled retrial.
Having denied the claims from the beginning, Giggs issued a statement after the case was officially discontinued.
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“After more than three weeks in court I am obviously disappointed that a retrial has been ordered”, said Giggs, going on to suggest that his innocence would be proven.
“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.
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“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.”
After telling Manchester Crown Court that the CPS would not be proceeding, prosecutor Peter Wright KC said “this decision is not taken lightly”, explaining that Ms Greville and her sister had “indicated an unwillingness” to give any more evidence, adding that the lengthy proceedings had “taken their toll”.
The court had attempted to attempted to find out exactly why Greville and her sister didn’t want to participate in a second trial, but the prosecuting lawyers say they did feel it appropriate to summon her as a witness for a second time.
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As for the former footballer’s defence barrister, Chris Daw KC, he said: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved that the case has finally come to an end after almost three years of fighting to clear his name.
“He now intends to rebuild his life and career as an innocent man.”
Featured Image — Wikimedia Commons/Ryan Giggs (via Instagram)
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Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s newest hotels has launched a massive recruitment drive with more than 100 jobs available to locals.
The Medlock, Manchester’s bold new 401-bedroom hotel – which is born from a partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and is set to open later this year in the autumn – is looking for new team members across a wide range of areas, including front of house, housekeeping, engineering, and reservations.
To welcome these new team members onboard, the hotel has now launched a massive recruitment drive with dozens of roles available to local people.
Individuals who bring ‘authenticity, pride, and personality’ to everything they do are encouraged to apply for the roles – which go live early next week (Monday 27 April).
Aimed at boosting employment within the local community, vacancies span front-of-house, housekeeping, engineering and reservations.
The recruitment drive – delivered in partnership with Total People – is being lead by Valor Hospitality, the hotel’s operator chosen for its global expertise and people-first approach to hospitality, and will be offering tailored training programmes that are designed to make careers in hospitality accessible to Manchester residents.
Vocational qualifications across a range of skills will help individuals build confidence and step into rewarding roles in the industry, and it also means prior experience is not entirely necessary.
More than 100 roles will be available to local people / Credit: Supplied
General Manager Richard Pearson says the recruitment drive is a ‘unique opportunity to be part of an exciting partnership’.
“This is a milestone we’ve been eagerly anticipating, building the team that will bring The Medlock to life,” he added. “We’re looking for people who carry the spirit of Manchester with them, people who are proud of where they’re from and passionate about creating something special together.”
As mentioned, all job adverts will go live next Monday (27 April) so hopefuls can get their applications submitted here.
This’ll then be followed by invite-only open days for shortlisted candidates in mid May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
Danny Jones -
18th July 2023 
