Ex Man United star Gary Neville faces contempt of court action over ‘comment’ made during his pal Ryan Giggs’ trial
GARY Neville has been referred to the Attorney General after the Ryan Giggs’ trial was delayed following a comment he allegedly made.
After Judge Hilary Manley learned of the TV pundit’s statement, the trial was held up legal argument for over an hour.
It is understood that Neville, 47, insists he was speaking about the directors of their former club, Manchester United.
Neville’s agent Di Law told the Daily Mail: “Gary is absolutely adamant that this was not about the case, but was referring to the Glazers.
“Any suggestion otherwise is not true and he will take it very seriously.
Judge Manley delayed the hearing at Manchester Crown Court to deliberate whether the comment by Class of 92 star Neville was known to the jury and could be potentially prejudicial.
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She confirmed yesterday (WED) she had referred the matter to the Attorney General Suella Braverman to consider if a potential contempt of court had taken place.
Judge Manley told the court: “Both the prosecution and defence agreed with me, in the absence of any comment from the jury, and given my clear direction, the trial could properly continue.
“However, given the author is a person with a high public profile…it could be seen to be an attempt to influence ongoing criminal proceedings and could be contempt of court.
“Accordingly, I am referring the matter to the office of the Attorney General for the consideration of a potential prosecution.”
The offence, if proven, carries a fine or up to two years in prison.
Chris Daw QC, defending Giggs, said he wanted to make it ‘crystal clear’ the footballer had nothing to do with the comment.
Neville and Giggs were both part of the celebrated ‘Class of ‘92’ academy group at Manchester United with David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville.
They came through the ranks together and enjoyed unprecedented success under manager Sir Alex Ferguson – winning the treble in 1999.
Right back Gary, 47, retired in 2011 after 400 appearances and 85 England caps.
He became Three Lions assistant manager under Roy Hodgson in 2012 before a torrid stint as head coach at Spanish side Valencia in 2015.
Neville has since become a star pundit on Sky Sports and ITV while investing in Salford City FC with Giggs.
The pair also partnered for their GG Hospitality company which has opened cafes and hotels across the country.
The Contempt of Court Act 1981 bans anyone from unfairly influencing a court case and preventing a fair trial.
It restricts what can be said publicly or on social media about whether a defendant is guilty or innocent.
And it stops any facts or evidence from being published which the jury were not supposed to see.
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Reports are referred to the Attorney General to consider the potential impact on a criminal trial and whether charges should be pursued.
Suella Braverman QC, Tory MP for Fareham, currently holds the post as chief legal adviser to the Crown.