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‘Worst experience of my life’ – Giggs breaks down in tears in court
Ryan Giggs broke down in tears in court as he described his night in a police cell over an alleged assault on his ex-girlfriend as “the worst experience” of his life.
The former Manchester United footballer said he was “scared” when he spoke to police officers at his home on the evening of 1 November 2020, and he had “never been in that position before”.
Giggs is standing trial, accused of using controlling and coercive behaviour against his former partner Kate Greville, as well as assaulting her and her sister Emma.
He denies the charges against him.
Giving evidence for a second day, Giggs began sobbing in the witness box as he told how he was taken to a police station after being arrested.
“Worst experience of my life,” he said of his night in a cell.
The 48-year-old said he got “hardly any” sleep and spoke to a solicitor for the first time the next day.
Ms Greville alleges that Giggs put his hands on her shoulders, looked her in the eyes, and deliberately headbutted her in the face during the alleged assault.
But the former Wales manager told the jury on Wednesday that he and Ms Greville “clashed heads” in a “sort of tug-of-war” after attempting to grab her phone during an argument.
Chris Daw QC, representing Giggs, asked: “Did you at any stage put your hands on Kate’s shoulders and forcibly and deliberately headbutt her in the face?”
“No, I didn’t,” Giggs replied.
He told the court he and Ms Greville had earlier “totally lost balance” and “slipped” on bags, which had resulted in him landing on top of her.
He said he was subjected to “six, seven kicks to the head” and suffered “several cuts” around his mouth.
Giggs said he felt “confused” and “scared” after being accused of assaulting Ms Greville and her sister.
Answering questions from Mr Daw, Giggs accepted he was a “man with many faults and flaws” but denied this included a “propensity to commit violence against women” or to control and coerce women.