DISGRACED STAR
Shamed Towie star James Argent pictured back in UK after dodging jail for attacking his ex in Spain
He pushed his model partner Nicoline Artursson down some steps
SHAMED former Towie star James Argent has been spotted back in the UK after dodging jail for attacking his ex-girlfriend in Spain.
Argent, 37, turned violent during a row with his model partner Nicoline Artursson, 32, on holiday in La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol.
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Argent threw the former Miss Sweden’s clothes off a balcony at a beachfront apartment and pushed her when she fell down steps outside.
He was arrested and spent several hours in police cells before admitting a charge of domestic violence in court that same day on May 5.
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:
- 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 on 0182 3334 244
- Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring 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.
James Argent Receives Suspended Sentence After Assault on Girlfriend in Spain
The TV personality was last week given a six-month suspended sentence and two-year restraining order.
As part of his sentence, he must listen to abused women on a 10-week domestic violence course and risks jail if he fails to attend.
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Argent is now back in the UK, and was today seen looking solemn as he stepped out in Brighton Marina.
The 37-year-old - wearing white trainers and carrying a black gym bag - clutched a coffee in his hand as he walked along the busy yacht harbour before getting into a car.
Argent was arrested soon after the shocking incident last Monday.
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.
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“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.”
It is understood Nicoline has since remained in Spain following her ordeal.
As part of Argent's sentence, he must attend a domestic violence course which aims to help offenders construct a “new masculinity”.
Gregorio Gomez Mata, who runs similar workshops for Spain’s Prison Service, told The Sun: “My message to Mr Argent would be to take advantage of this course.
“His life will be better if he understands he has to change and so will the lives of any women he has relationships with in the future.
"We don’t arrange meetings between offenders and domestic violence victims, but the men who take part in our workshops do listen to the testimonies of women who have been assaulted by their partners.”
Meanwhile, Argent is set to lose out on a bumper payday.
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.
He had applied for residency in Spain to sing all year round in Marbella’s bars and clubs, but that is now likely to be rejected.
Argent’s row with Nicoline came after she hinted at his closeness with ex-partner Lydia Bright in a now deleted Instagram post.
She wrote: “Is it OK if your boyfriend or girlfriend is talking and hanging out with their ex and liking their Instagram posts etc? If you’re in a serious relationship you’ve got to respect your partner and leave the past in the past.”
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Argent previously said he was “devastated by what’s happened”.
Alluding to past drink and drug issues, he added: “I haven’t relapsed. I am still three years and four months clean and sober.”
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