Collins 'slammed girlfriend's head against fridge door'

FORMER world boxing champion Steve Collins appeared in court yesterday accused of slamming a fridge door against his girlfriend's head following an argument at their home.

Collins, 39, a former WBO middleweight champion is facing a charge of common assault after police were called to his home in Shoeburyness, Essex, last week.

Southend Magistrates' Court heard Collins is alleged to have thrown a draining rack and a cup at 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.

Samantha Lowther, prosecuting, told the court that despite the initial statement given to the police by Miss Davies, she had now issued a retraction. However, she asked magistrates for further time to review the case.

Judith Sheldon, for Collins, asked the bench to consider lifting bail restrictions preventing the former boxer from visiting his girlfriend, with whom he has two young children.

Collins is separated from his wife Gemma, with whom he has three children. The bench agreed and allowed him unconditional bail to return to the court on December 16.

Ms Davies, who was in court, left hand-in-hand with Collins following the hearing 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."

Ms Lowther told the court that after Collins was alleged to have thrown objects at his girlfriend, he grabbed some car keys and attempted to drive away from the house. However, she added he could not get into the car and instead returned to the kitchen.

Reading from a statement given by Miss Davies at the time of the alleged incident last Thursday Ms Lowther said: "He then slammed the fridge causing my head to be smashed between the door and the side of the fridge."

Collins was then alleged to have told his girlfriend: "Do you realise I could get arrested for this." Miss Davies is then alleged to have replied: "I don't care."

Despite asking for more time for the case to be reviewed, Ms Lowther added: "I don't believe that there has been a history of domestic violence between the two parties."

Mrs Sheldon told the court Ms Davies appealed to the magistrates to lift restrictions on Collins's bail preventing the family from being together. She told the court: "She would wish to take the two young children back to the family home."