Former Special Forces commando Heston Russell to fight charge of assault in court
Afghanistan veteran Heston Russell will fight a charge of common assault after police claimed he hit another man at an exclusive Sydney rooftop party.
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A former Special Forces commando and senate hopeful will fight a charge of assault while at an exclusive Sydney rooftop pool party following a five-month investigation by police.
OnlyFans model Heston Russell did not appear at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday for his first appearance over a charge of common assault.
The 36-year-old was issued a Court Attendance Notice in May after a Sydney man claimed Russell allegedly hit him during an argument at a private pool party in January.
Mr Russell, who resides in Brisbane, had been cruising around Sydney Harbour on January 2 before going to the event at Potts Points.
He then allegedly assaulted another male between 6.30pm and 6.45pm, according to court documents.
The former commander of November Platoon was due to appear in court on Tuesday, however his lawyer Michael Bowe sent an email excusing his appearance.
The court heard Mr Russell will be fighting the charge and pleaded not guilty to common assault.
Deputy Registrar Nicole Hoffmann made brief supply orders for July 19, with a reply date of August 9.
Mr Russell is due to face court again in August.
After the allegation was made public in May, Mr Russell’s PR firm issued a statement confirming the NSW Police investigation.
“The allegations are completely unfounded, which I have no doubt the police will discover in due course,” the statement read.
“This is another poor attempt at smearing and an attack on my character to deter voters in the week leading up to the federal election.”
Mr Russell launched a bid for a senate seat under his Australian Values Party in the election last month.
The 36-year-old triggered a wave of controversy for selling nude images of himself on OnlyFans to fundraise for veterans charity Swiss 8, where he made $15,000.
Originally published as Former Special Forces commando Heston Russell to fight charge of assault in court
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