Former world boxing champion Steve Collins today appeared in court in Britain accused of slamming a fridge door against his girlfriend's head following an argument at their home.
Mr Collins (39), a former WBO middleweight champion, is facing a charge of
common assault after British police were called to his home in Shoeburyness, Essex, last week.
Southend Magistrates' Court heard that Mr Collins is alleged to have thrown a
draining rack and a cup at Ms Joanna Davies before storming out of the house. He is then accused of returning and assaulting her by catching her head in the fridge door.
Ms Samantha Lowther, prosecuting, told the court that despite the initial statement given to the police by Ms Davies, she had now issued a retraction. However, Ms Lowther asked magistrates for further time to review the case.
Mrs Judith Sheldon, for Mr Collins, asked the bench to consider lifting bail restrictions preventing the former boxer from visiting his girlfriend, with whom he has two young children. The bench agreed and allowed him unconditional bail to return to the court on December 16th.
Ms Davies, who was in court, left with Collins following the hearing hand-in-hand but the pair refused to comment.
Mrs Sheldon, speaking on their behalf said: "They would like the press to respect their privacy after a very difficult morning in court and they would like to get on and make their own personal arrangements and ensure that their children have a happy Christmas."
She added: "Any allegations against Mr Collins are totally denied."