Giggs denies using “emotional blackmail” in assault trial

Ryan Giggs has admitted trying to use his teenage daughter as “a lever” to stop the police being called on the night he allegedly headbutted his ex-girlfriend.

However the former Manchester United player denied using “emotional blackmail” after Kate Greville’s sister Emma rang 999 on the evening of 1 November 2020.

Giggs is also accused of elbowing Emma and threatening to headbutt her.

Giving evidence for a third day at his assault trial, the ex-Wales manager said online stalking was “common” in his relationship with Kate Greville and he believed it was his infidelity that had caused her “alarm and distress”.

Giggs is standing trial accused of using controlling and coercive behaviour against Ms Greville, as well as assaulting her and her sister.

He denies the charges against him.

Jurors heard that during a 999 call, Emma Greville said to Giggs: “I don’t care if your daughter is 17. I don’t care about your daughter.”

Prosecutor Peter Wright QC asked Giggs: “You were seeking here to dissuade her from making that complaint?”

“Yes,” he replied.

The prosecutor asked: “And you were seeking to use your daughter as the lever?”

“Yes,” Giggs said.

Asked why, the ex-footballer said: “I don’t know.”

Mr Wright suggested Giggs “sought to use emotional influence”.

“Emotional blackmail wasn’t it?”, the prosecutor asked.

“No,” Giggs responded.

Answering questions from his defence barrister Chris Daw QC, Giggs said he was “scared” about the police being called and the accusations being made about him.

Asked what he thought the potential consequences would be, Giggs said: “I’m not too sure. It didn’t look good.”

Giggs said a remark heard during the 999 call when he said “we’ll be everywhere” was referring to “newspapers and media”.