The ex-girlfriend of boxer Harry Garside will fight domestic violence charges a month after similar charges against the Olympian were dropped.
Fitness influencer and self-described wellness coach Ashley Ruscoe was charged with stalking and assaulting the 25-year-old on July 12 after police investigated a March 1 incident at a home in Sydney’s east for which Garside was initially charged.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Ashley Ruscoe faces court over DV charges
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Garside previously said his lawyers provided “recordings and communications” to police that showed a different version of events and cleared him of any wrongdoing.
However, Ruscoe’s lawyer Bryan Wrench told Downing Centre Local Court this was not the case.
“It is quite critical to put on the record (that) we received the so-called videos that clear his name,” he said on Wednesday.
“The videos do not clear his name.”
The lawyer called the charges against the 35-year-old troubling and unusual.
Ashley Ruscoe faced court on Wednesday.
Credit: Bianca De Marchi/AAP
“We are certainly pleading not guilty,” he said in a fiery exchange in the court with Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson on Wednesday.
“Miss Ruscoe was the alleged victim.
“Completely surprisingly, they have now charged Miss Ruscoe out of that same incident.”
Wrench also took issue with Garside’s Sunrise interview and attempted to tell the court Ruscoe would call on witnesses to “show (Garside) has a history of DV”.
However, Atkinson shut him down, telling him this was not the forum to make such statements.
The court appearance is the latest development in a long-running saga involving the estranged couple.
Charges against Harry Garside were dropped.
Credit: Bianca De Marchi/AAP
Garside was arrested on May 2 at Sydney Airport and charged with domestic violence-related common assault over the same March 1 incident.
But the charge and an apprehended violence order application against the 25-year-old boxer were formally withdrawn in June.
“Today I have been vindicated,” he said in a social media post following the formal withdrawal of those charges.
“I am thankful for the diligence of the police in reviewing the overwhelming evidence in my favour and quickly moving to withdraw the proceedings.”
The matter will return to court on August 30 and Ruscoe will be excused from appearing.
Garside won the bronze medal for Australia at the Toyko 2020 Olympics.
He has won seven national boxing championships.
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.