Ex-Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs' retrial, planned for later this month on domestic violence charges, has been abandoned after lawyers withdrew the prosecution.
Mr Giggs, 49, was due to go on trial for a second time on 31 July, accused of controlling or coercive behaviour towards his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 39, between August 2017 and November 2020.
He was also accused of assault by "losing control" and headbutting her and the common assault of Ms Greville's sister, Emma, by elbowing her in the jaw, during a row at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on 1 November 2020.
He denied the offences and a month-long trial ended last August when the jury failed to reach any verdicts.
Prosecutors then sought and were granted an application for a retrial, scheduled to begin on 31 July, after telling Judge Hilary Manley that the complainants were willing to give evidence at a second trial.
But this morning, prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) were not now proceeding with the case.
During Mr Giggs' time at Old Trafford, Manchester United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
He stood down as manager of the Wales national team following a period of leave since November 2020.
He won 64 caps for Wales and is co-owner of League Two side Salford.
Mr Wright told Manchester Crown Court that charges of domestic violence and assault against Mr Giggs were being dropped.
He said Ms Greville had "indicated an unwillingness" to give evidence in a re-trial as giving evidence in the first trial had "taken its toll" on her and her sister Emma.
Mr Wright said: "This is not a decision taken lightly."
He 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 Ms Greville and her sister.
He added: "That being the case, we formally offer no evidence on counts one, two and three."
Judge Manley replied: "I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of those counts."
Chris Daw KC, defending Mr Giggs, who was not present in court, said: "Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he's been fighting throughout to clear his name.
"He has always been innocent of these charges, there's been very, very many lies told about him in court.
"He's now been found not guilty of all the charges and going forward would like to rebuild his life and career as an innocent man."
Sources close to Mr Giggs have said he wants to get back into football.
A source told the PA news agency: "His intention is to resume his managerial and coaching career. He's got unfinished business in the game.
"The last three years his life has been put on hold but he's a huge football man.
"He's been found not guilty and wants to get back into the game. He's football through and through."
