Another court hearing will be held ahead of former footballer Ryan Giggs’ domestic violence trial, a judge has ruled.

The 47-year-old former Manchester United player is accused of controlling and coercive behaviour against his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 36, between August 2017 and November 2020.

He is also accused of assaulting Ms Greville, causing her actual bodily harm, as well as common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on 1 November last year.

Giggs has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

He will go on trial next year.

The hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Friday dealt with administrative matters and issues that cannot be made public ahead of the jury trial.

Giggs was not in court for the hearing.

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Judge Hilary Manley ruled another hearing should be held on 17 December to deal with any outstanding matters ahead of the trial on 24 January next year.

The judge excused the defendant’s attendance from the December court date after hearing submissions from his lawyer, Lisa Roberts QC.

Giggs is on leave from his position as manager of Wales. He is also co-owner of League Two side Salford City.

He won 64 caps as a player for Wales and during his time at Old Trafford, he won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.

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