Paul Kent, the former presenter of Fox League’s NRL 360, has been acquitted of allegations claiming he attacked and choked his then-partner at his residence in Sydney’s inner west.
Magistrate Daniel Rees of the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney ruled that the charges against Mr. Kent were not proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Mr. Rees stated that Kent acted in defense of his property, following an incident where his former partner took his phone after a disagreement. Kent had consistently refuted the accusations of assault and choking.
Earlier, police alleged that the 53-year-old assaulted his then-girlfriend during a domestic disturbance at his Lilyfield home in May. Kent, testifying in court, denied choking the woman but admitted to a physical altercation over his mobile phone.
The incident reportedly began when Kent was writing a column and noticed via CCTV his ex-partner, who he had separated from the previous night, entering his yard. He confronted her as she demanded to see his phone, leading to a physical scuffle and allegations of choking and assault.
Their relationship was characterized by ‘mistrust’, as detailed by Kent under cross-examination. He narrated an incident where, after a brief reconciliation, an argument erupted over a prosecco bottle in his fridge, leading him to end the relationship.
Further evidence presented in court included testimony from a physiotherapist who noted “yellowish” bruising around the woman’s neck, indicative of trauma. However, he could not confirm if this was due to strangulation.
The court also reviewed body-worn footage where the woman accused Kent of having his hands around her throat. Kent, however, maintained his innocence, claiming he only touched her while attempting to retrieve his phone.
Kent was initially arrested and charged with common assault and choking without consent, with an additional charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm added later. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Source: Fox Sports
