Ryan Giggs’ retrial over domestic violence allegations has been abandoned.
The ex-Manchester United and Wales midfielder was accused of attacking and controlling or coercive behaviour against his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, and assaulting her younger sister, Emma.
It was to be the second time the 49-year-old was to be tried over the claims.
However, the charges were withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on Tuesday, with prosecutor Peter Wright telling Manchester Crown Court that Ms Greville had “indicated an unwillingness” to give evidence.
He said the first trial had “taken its toll” on her, and her sister, adding it was “not a decision taken lightly”.
Mr Wright said there was no realistic prospect of conviction on count one, that of coercive and controlling behaviour, and it was no longer in the public interest to proceed to prosecute on the other charges of assault on Miss Greville and her sister.
He added: “That being the case, we formally offer no evidence on counts one, two and three.”
Judge Hilary Manley replied: “I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of those counts.”
Giggs was on trial last summer, accused of assaulting his former partner, Ms Greville, causing actual bodily harm, and using controlling and coercive behaviour against her between August 2017 to November 2020.
He was also charged with the common assault of Ms Greville’s sister.
