Amazing Race contestant Sidney Pierucci denies assaulting girlfriend Ashley Ruscoe
Instagram “influencer” Sidney Pierucci appeared in court where he pleaded not guilty to assaulting his glamorous girlfriend Ashley Ruscoe after a late-night incident at their Bellevue Hill home.
NSW
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The Amazing Race contestant Sidney Pierucci has denied assaulting his glamorous girlfriend and race partner Ashley Ruscoe in Sydney's east.
Instagram “influencer” Pierucci, 26, appeared on Wednesday in the Downing Centre Local Court where he pleaded not guilty to assaulting Ruscoe, 30, after a late-night incident at their Bellevue Hill apartment on October 14.
Police arrested Pierucci and took him to Waverley police station where he was charged with assault and damaging property.
In court, defence lawyer Robert Candelori said his client would fight both charges.
“I’m instructed to enter pleas of not guilty to both sequences,” he said.
It is believed the social media-obsessed couple, who had been dating for three years, split after the incident.
Described as “the influencers”, Pierucci and Ruscoe debuted last week on Channel 10’s Amazing Race, where teams of two compete in a race around the world to win $250,000.
In a show bio, Pierucci claimed his proudest achievement in life was his “bulletproof self-esteem and freedom”.
“I have an insane level of self confidence in my ability to get through any situation, regardless of what life throws my way,” he said.
Ruscoe previously had said during the show her and Pierucci “can sometimes get irritated with each other and are both very stubborn”.
After the alleged assault, police also took out an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order on behalf of Ruscoe, which states Pierucci must not “approach or be in the company of (her) for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs”.
He must also not assault or threaten her, harass or intimidate her and intentionally or recklessly destroy or damage any property that belongs to her.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Allen granted an adjournment so legal paperwork could be prepared.
He will return to court for a two-hour hearing on February 13.
The ADVO was listed for a mention following the hearing.