Sarah Marsh was doing the laundry when her fashion designer husband Wayne Cooper allegedly tossed the clothes into a pool and shoved her against a glass door.
Police arrested the 60-year-old at his NSW north coast home in May after receiving reports of historical domestic violence against his wife.
Cooper pleaded not guilty to two counts of domestic violence-related common assault at Waverley Local Court on Friday.
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The prosecution alleges the father of two assaulted Marsh during two separate incidents.
While Marsh was hanging laundry on December 14, 2015, Cooper allegedly threw the clothes into the pool during an argument, grabbed her by both arms and shoved her against a glass door.
The defence has denied Cooper pushed her.
‘I was scared’
Testifying in court, Marsh said she developed bruises and scratches from the incident and had to ring a friend to take her away from the family home.
“I was scared,” she said.
“I didn’t know what was going to happen next, and I wanted to get away from him.”
Less than a year later, Cooper allegedly assaulted her during an argument where he threw a toy bear at Marsh.
Marsh says she started recording a video to try deterring him.
The recording, presented to the court, shows the couple yelling and trading expletive-laden verbal shots.
“Police officers can’t arrest me for picking up a furry bear,” Cooper said in the video.
The former model said her ex-husband was pushing into her body while trying to knock the phone from her hand.
Wayne Cooper arrives at Waverley Court House in Sydney.
Credit: Jenny Evans/AAP
“F*** off, leave me alone. I’ve asked you to leave the room,” Marsh is heard saying in the recording.
“I can stay in my room if I feel like it,” Cooper replied.
Though the couple shared a bedroom, Marsh said he would often leave, and she eventually installed a lock on the door.
“I had a lock on the room, so I was able to lock myself in,” she told the court.
While the defence did not deny an argument had occurred, Cooper’s barrister claimed he was required to take “reasonable force” to stop the phone from coming into contact with him.
The two were married for more than a decade but have now separated.
From the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Cooper was best known for his fashion labels BRAVE and WAYNE.
His works have appeared at Australian Fashion Week and overseas showcases, often modelled by internationally renowned names like Amber Valletta, Linda Evangelista, and Alek Wek.
He has also been a guest on reality television show Australia’s Next Top Model.
Cooper’s case continues.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.