The estate agent partner of the late rugby league star Ricky Bibey has returned to Manchester following an alleged assault he is said to have inflicted on her on holiday in Italy.
Jennie Platt, 44, required surgery after suffering serious injuries during the alleged attack at the four-star Hotel Continentale in Florence during the early hours of July 16, friends have confirmed.
It is alleged she was beaten by her partner, Leigh-born former rugby league star Rickey Bibey, who died following a suspected heart attack he is said to have suffered during the incident.
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The pair had been on a night out before the alleged hotel attack which is said to have left her in a wheelchair.
Ms Platt has returned to the UK but has not been well enough to return to work, friends have said. She owns Jennie Platt Estates and Lettings which has offices in Altrincham, Manchester city centre and Prestwich.
She is said to have suffered significant injuries and was reportedly unable to speak to Italian investigators for a week while in Careggi hospital in Florence. Now back home Ms Platt has been left 'devastated', say friends.
Ms Platt's Milan-based lawyer Stefano Goldstein has told the media his client had been the victim of an assault at the hands of Mr Bibey and that she will require on-going specialist care back in the UK. The investigation by the authorities in Italy is poised to close.
Tributes poured in for Bibey following his death.
During his rugby league career, Bibey played for Wigan Warriors from 2001 but also turned out for Leigh Centurions, St Helens and Wakefield Trinity. He twice won the Challenge Cup. His death prompted tributes from representatives of the clubs he used to play for.
A spokesperson for Wakefield said on Twitter: "Trinity are saddened to hear of the passing of former prop-forward Ricky Bibey, aged 40. Ricky played for Trinity between 2007 and 2009, making 60 appearances. We send our condolences to Ricky's family and friends at this tough time."
Leigh East, the club where Bibey made his start as a junior, said: "All at the club are saddened to hear about the death of our former junior Ricky Bibey who passed away on holiday. Ricky played professionally for a number of clubs including Leigh, Wigan, St Helens and Wakefield. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."
A spokesman for Ms Platt declined to comment when approached by the M.E.N.
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