Key points:
Ryan Giggs stands trial accused of attacking ex-girlfriendEx-Manchester United footballer is alleged to have used controlling and coercive behaviour against Kate GrevilleThe Welshman is also charged with assaulting Ms Greville’s sister Emma GrevilleGiggs denies all the charges against himThe trial in Manchester is due to last 10 daysLive updates from court by David Mercer, home affairs reporter
Watch: Ryan Giggs arrives at court in Manchester
Ryan Giggs has arrived at court in Manchester ahead of the opening of today’s trial.
The 48-year-old was due to face trial in January, but the hearing was put back due to the ongoing backlog of court cases exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ryan Giggs arrives at court
What is expected to happen in court today?
A jury is expected to be sworn in for the trial of Ryan Giggs today before the prosecution case opens.
Monday’s hearing is taking place at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court before the trial transfers to Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday for the remainder of the proceedings.
Arrangements for the case were finalised last week after Manchester Crown Court had to close due to testing for asbestos.
The trial is expected to last 10 days.
What are the charges against Ryan Giggs?
Ryan Giggs is accused of using controlling and coercive behaviour against his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020.
He is alleged to have assaulted Ms Greville, 36, and caused her actual bodily harm at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on 1 November 2020.
The former Manchester United player is also charged with the common assault of Ms Greville’s youngster sister, Emma Greville, in the same alleged incident on 1 November 2020.
Giggs has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Who is Ryan Giggs?
Ryan Giggs is Manchester United’s record appearance maker, playing in 963 games for the club between 1991 and 2014.
During his time at Old Trafford, Manchester United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
Giggs earned 64 caps for Wales during his playing career and was manager of the national team before he stood down in June following a period of leave since November 2020.
In a statement at the time, he said he did not want the country’s preparations for this year’s World Cup in Qatar to be “affected, destabilised or jeopardised in any way by the continued interest around this case”.
Ryan Giggs stands trial
Hello and welcome to Sky News’ live coverage of the trial of ex-Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs.
The former Wales manager is accused of attacking his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville and using controlling behaviour and coercive behaviour against her.
He is also charged with assaulting Ms Greville’s younger sister Emma.
Giggs denies all the charges against him.