The former partner of Olympic boxer Harry Garside has pleaded guilty to domestic violence-related assault and stalking or intimidation. Ashley Alsione Ruscoe faced court in Sydney yesterday.
Context
The charges were brought against Ruscoe for an incident in March last year. Garside was initially charged, but charges were dropped four weeks later after the Olympian’s lawyers submitted new evidence. Ruscoe was then arrested.
After pleading guilty in court yesterday, Ruscoe was placed on a two-year apprehended domestic violence order. She is prohibited from approaching or contacting Garside and anyone he has a domestic relationship with.
Harry Garside’s career
Garside first captured the public’s attention when he won a gold medal in the men’s 60kg weight division at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. He then found success at the Tokyo Olympics by becoming the first Australian boxer in 33 years to win a medal. At the Paris Olympics earlier this year, the 27-year-old was eliminated from the tournament in the round of 16.
What they said
Garside said: “Domestic violence is a serious problem in our country, and I encourage anyone affected to come forward — your voice matters, and you are not alone.”
The magistrate reportedly said: “I accept they had a bad fight… I don’t doubt for a minute there were faults on both sides. It was obviously a toxic relationship.”
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