Relieved Josh Reynolds opens up about his nine ‘tumultuous’ weeks
Wests Tigers star Josh Reynolds reveals his sheer relief after police dropped an assault charge levelled against him by his ex Arabella Del Busso and thanked his mum Nicole. He also has “a little message” for his ex.
NSW
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Josh Reynolds says he would never have survived the toughest period of his life without the most important woman by his side — his mother, Nicole.
With a kiss on the cheek from his mum, the Wests Tigers star’s mission to restore his reputation was completed after police dropped a charge of assault levelled against him by his ex-girlfriend Arabella Del Busso.
The news was met with overwhelming relief and emotion by Reynolds, his family and lawyer, who described the case as the most incredible he’d been involved with.
“Whilst I’m relieved, I believe the charges against me should never have been brought, I was always an innocent man and I’m happy the legal system has proved this,” Reynolds said.
“I’m relieved with the fact that I can now get on with my life and move forward.
“The last nine weeks, since I was charged, have been one of the most tumultuous and difficult periods of my life.
“During this time my personal life was aired to the public and most importantly my character and principles were questioned.
“I’d like to thank my Mum, for always standing by my side. I love you.’’
“For me, for her, I can stand here and say to Arabella, whatever your name is, you said to me that you were going to bring me and my mum down but we’re still standing,” Reynolds told Channel 9.
“We’re still here. That’s a little message to you. You try to bring me, my family and my mum down and it didn’t work.”
Throughout the ordeal, Reynolds had maintained his innocence despite being charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, after Del Busso alleged she was assaulted, at his Caringbah South home in September.
He was accused of leaving bruising on her right arm and left leg during the incident.
Yet in the wake of the allegations, myriad bizarre claims against Del Busso began to emerge, including that she had duped Reynolds out of thousands of dollars, used multiple aliases and tricked him into thinking she miscarried their unborn twins and lost two more pregnancies.
Reynolds also claimed she digitally manipulated images to give the illusion she was pregnant.
He maintains he was the subject of a calculated plot by his ex who even lied about suffering from cancer — claims she vehemently rejects.
“I’ve had so many ups and downs over this last year and a bit. To get this news today, it’s the best I’ve had in a long time,” he told Channel 9.
“I’ve always wanted to be a dad. It’s not to be at the moment.
“She was smart, she knew what to do.
“Like I said before, I feel silly. She played with my emotions.”
“I’d like to thank my manager and my lawyer for never losing faith in me and standing by me through some of my darkest moments,” Reynolds added to The Daily Telegraph.
“I also would like to thank my family and closest friends who have showed great strength and support for me throughout this time — I wouldn’t have got through this without you.
“I would also like to thank the fans who never doubted my true character.
“I am glad Todd Greenberg, the NRL and Wests Tigers stood by me throughout this saga and their support was important to me.
“I am looking forward to getting stuck into footy and giving my all for my teammates and Club in 2020.”
Del Busso is said to be lying low in Melbourne.
Her lawyer Rhys Roberts said Del Busso had been left “shocked” at the police decision not to pursue the case.
“We have received no formal communications from NSW Police and we have not been informed of the reasons for their decision to drop the assault charge against Mr Reynolds,” Roberts told The Daily Telegraph.
“We will have further discussions with Arabella before advising her of the options for further legal action.
“We (and she) are shocked at her treatment by the NSW Police.
“We will be seeking a full and frank explanation from NSW Police.”
Reynolds’ lawyer Dan McGirr said the case was the most extraordinary he had worked on while describing the NRL star’s reaction after being told the charge had been dropped at 11.30am on Wednesday.
“From start to finish, it’s been one of the most incredible pieces of work, I’ve been involved with,’’ Mr McGirr said.
“He’s rapt. You don’t realise the weight on your shoulders and now that it’s been lifted, he’s now got that vacant space of what I have been thinking about for the past eight weeks.
“You don’t realise the toll it takes on thinking about it, more so when you (believe) it’s wrong and false.
“By the police charging him, he feels like he’s already been tried. There’s been people yelling out to him and stuff.
“He can get his life back.’’
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Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe praised Reynolds ability to handle nine weeks of unrelenting pressure while confirming their star player would play in a trial match this weekend against the New Zealand Warriors.
“This news comes as a great relief to Josh as well as our club,” Pascoe said.
“Josh has carried himself extremely well throughout what has no doubt been a very stressful time for him and his family, and we look forward to him continuing to play a key role for this club on and off the field in the years to come.”