James Argent breaks silence after he was arrested for pushing beauty queen girlfriend down steps in Spain
FORMER Towie star James Argent has finally broken his silence after being arrested for pushing his girlfriend down stairs in Spain.
Neighbours called the police when they heard former Miss Sweden Nicoline Artursson, 32, screaming in La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol.
Argent spent several hours in police cells before admitting a charge of domestic violence in court the same day.
The TV personality was given a six-month suspended sentence and a two-year restraining order to stop him seeing or even contacting Nicoline, who he had been dating for 11 months.
The 35-year-old star finally broke his silence today by talking to the MailOnline.
He said: “I haven’t relapsed. I am still three years and four months clean and sober.
“I am devastated by what’s happened.”
It comes after an insider told The Sun: “James and Nicoline had a row that turned nasty and he pushed her over. He was arrested and taken to a station where he was put in the cells for a few hours.
“James complied with the police and the matter was resolved in the court on the same day.
“Their relationship is over and they can no longer speak or contact one another.”
Nicoline was believed to be with Argent in her apartment at La Cala de Mijas when he turned aggressive and tried to force her out of her front door.
During the ensuing struggle, Argent pushed her and she fell down the steps.
Worried neighbours called the police after hearing Nicoline’s screams.
It is understood she suffered injuries and required hospital treatment.
Sources claim Argent left Nicoline at the scene but he was soon arrested by local police and hauled to the cells on Bank Holiday Monday.
Argent was later taken to the Court of Violence Against Women in Fuengirola where he admitted “mistreating” Nicoline, who was also present in court.
As well as the suspended jail term and restraining order, judges ordered Argent to carry out a “resocialisation course in the field of gender violence”.
The incident happened just days after the couple were pictured together on the beach in Calahonda.
It is understood Nicoline has since remained in Spain following her ordeal while Argent has returned home to his native Essex.
Step in to prevent it
By Emma Armstrong, CEO of charity I Choose Freedom
MOST abuse incidents happen behind closed doors and, because of low conviction rates, no one knows the full scale.
In this case, the restraining order is important as domestic abuse is rarely a one-off.
Including a gender violence course also shows the Spanish court knows prevention is critical.
We will see a meaningful reduction in cases only when we combine a response that deals with the immediate issue, and prevents abuse in future.
Sources close to the telly star insist he is “extremely sorry” for what has happened and insists he never meant to harm Nicoline.
A friend explained: “James has been at home in Essex since this happened.
“He said he had a row with Nicoline and that he tried to end the argument.
“James said he pushed Nicoline and that she fell. He is remorseful about what happened but is insisting he never meant any harm.
“He’s extremely sorry for it.
“James said he was honest when he spoke to the police and told them everything that had happened.”
Argent regularly posted pictures of the pair loved-up on holiday.
He went public with his new love in September last year when they flew to Saint-Tropez in the South of France for a romantic getaway.
Domestic abuse - how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
- Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
- Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
- Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
- Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
- The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night
- Men who are being abused can call Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244
- Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428
- If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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