James Ashby cleared of Brian Burston’s assault allegations

James Ashby has defended himself against an AVO application from Brian Burston in court today, after it was revealed he was cleared of the former senator’s assault allegations.

Exclusive: Pauline Hanson’s chief of staff James Ashby has been cleared of all assault allegations made by the now deposed United Australia Party Senator Brian Burston.

The Australian Federal Police have written to Mr Ashby’s lawyer Danny Eid informing him “there is insufficient evidence for any charges to be laid...” over an alleged scuffle at Parliament House in February.

The letter also stated the investigation is now finalised.

Mr Eid told News Corp that Mr Ashby was always confident he would be cleared.

“The allegations against him were false. The AFP conducted a thorough investigation and found there was insufficient evidence,” Mr Eid said.

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James Ashby at Toronto Local Court opposing the AVO taken out on him. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

Senator Burston, who lost his seat at the federal election earlier this month, claimed Mr Ashby had assaulted him and his wife at Parliament House in February.

The altercation was captured on camera by a number of witnesses and spread across the internet.

In the aftermath of the altercation, Senator Burston smeared blood from an injured hand on the door of Ms Hanson’s office and when questioned about it denied any knowledge and reportedly said “Ashby probably did it himself”.

Senator Burston was later forced to apologise and admit he had smeared the blood.

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James Ashby at Toronto Local Court. Picture: Natalie O'Brien

The news that Mr Ashby had been cleared of the allegations came as he appeared in a Central Coast court in relation to an application for an apprehended violence order against him made by Senator Burston.

The AVO application relates mainly to alleged isolated, verbal comments made last year.

Mr Ashby is opposing the application.

Mr Eid said there is no basis for an AVO against Mr Ashby.

Mr Eid told the court on Tuesday an attempt at mediation between the parties regarding the AVO had been unsuccessful.

He is also arguing that a NSW court does not have the jurisdiction to hear the AVO application because the alleged incidents occurred in Canberra.

Senator Brian Burston at Toronto Court back in April. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

James Ashby at Toronto Local Court where he was cleared. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

Senator Burston did not appear in court.

The court has previously been told Senator Burston and his wife had been living in fear of Mr Ashby.

The AVO application has been adjourned until next month.

Senator Burston was elected to the Senate as a member of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party.

But after a bitter split with Ms Hanson over issues which included claims of sexual harassment against his staff, and a counter claim by Senator Burston that he had been harassed by Ms Hanson, he joined Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party.

As of July 1, Senator Burston will no longer have a seat in parliament.

Senator Burston did not return calls.

After the scuffle at Parliament House in February, Mr Ashby had his Parliamentary pass suspended.

Mr Eid said Mr Ashby has now been advised his parliamentary pass will be returned to him.