Boxer Harry Garside ‘categorically denies’ assault allegations against ex-girlfriend

Boxer Harry Garside has described how he was taken completely by surprise when he stepped off a plane in Sydney on Tuesday — after competing in I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! — and charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

Boxer-turned-reality star Harry Garside has “categorically denied” allegations of domestic violence after being charged with the assault of his ex-girlfriend.

Garside on Wednesday responded to allegations of domestic violence with a statement on social media, in which he also said he was taken “completely by surprise” by media at Sydney airport on Tuesday.

The Olympic medallist was arrested on arrival at Sydney Airport from Johannesburg on Tuesday after placing second on reality show I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!

“The conduct of police in the presence of the media at Sydney International Airport yesterday took me completely by surprise,” Mr Garside wrote in a post on Instagram.

“I categorically deny the allegations of violence and dispute the account given to police. I have nothing to hide and will defend myself against the charge. The police have not been provided with all of the facts and I am confident that my reputation will be vindicated through the legal process. Because the matter is before the courts, I won’t be saying anything further.”

Garside was understood to be staying in his family’s home in outer Melbourne on Wednesday.

Reach Foundation, the charity whom Garside represented on I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, also posted a statement to social media on Wednesday afternoon.

“We are aware of an allegation made against Reach Ambassador, Harry Garside,” their Instagram post reads.

“We have no further information beyond what has been reported, and as this is an ongoing investigation, we will not make any further comment at this stage. Reach as an organisation stands by respect and safety for all.”

Harry Garside’s selected charity on I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! was Reach Fundation.

Reach’s statement came shortly after Garside’s social media post, although the organisation initially declined The Daily Telegraph’s request for comment

On Tuesday evening, the I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here! runner-up, still held the Akubra he wore in the show as he left Mascot police station in Sydney after being granted bail.

He said then that he felt “shocked” by what had unfolded since he landed in Sydney about 2pm.

“It’s pretty confronting,” he said about being arrested at the airport. “Yeah pretty sad.”

Harry Garside leaving Mascot Police Station on Tuesday evening. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The assault charge laid against Garside relates to allegations the boxer was violent towards his ex-girlfriend Ashley Ruscoe in March.

Ms Ruscoe has given The Daily Telegraph permission for her to be identified.

The Daily Telegraph has been told that Ms Ruscoe spoke with police multiple times in the weeks after the alleged incident but detectives had to wait until he was back in the country to speak to the boxer.

Police will allege Garside spat in Ms Ruscoe’s face and elbowed her in the head during a domestic argument at her eastern suburbs apartment. It will be further alleged there was a physical tussle over a mobile phone. It is believed the alleged incident took place after the pair had broken up and Mr Garside had visited Ms Ruscoe’s apartment to collect his belongings.

Garside’s social media post sharing his enjoyment of a upgrade to business class on his flight home to Australia.

NSW Police yesterday released a statement which read: “Last month, officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command commenced an investigation into reports of an alleged domestic violence-related incident at Bellevue Hill on Wednesday 1 March 2023.”

“Following inquiries, a 25-year-old man was arrested at Sydney International Airport about 2.40pm today. He was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with common assault (DV). He was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 24 May 2023.”

Harry Garside and then-girlfriend working out at Woolloomooloo PCYC when they were together. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Garside had clearly not been expecting the homecoming he received. Hours earlier, Garside shared a photograph to Instagram in Qantas business class after boarding the flight in Johannesburg with his father.

“Had to upgrade my best mate to business with me,” he wrote.

“His first time flying business. Money comes and goes, memories with loved ones last forever (black heart emoji). What an experience it has been. Something I will truly never forget, friendships that will last a lifetime. Massive thank you to everyone who supported me, can’t believe I made it that far into the show. Can’t wait to touch down in the best country on earth again. Bring on the journey to Paris 2024.”

The caption included a gold medal and an Australian flag emoji with the hashtag #chasinggreatness.

Garside’s father, Shaun, with whom he travelled on the flight to Sydney, was seen leaving the Sydney airport solo on Tuesday afternoon carrying additional luggage which belonged to his son.

Harry Garside’s father Shaun Garside walking through Sydney airport alone after police took his son for questioning. Picture: Julian Andrews

Garside has spent the past several weeks competing on Channel 10 reality show I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! and placed second overall to champion netballer Liz Ellis.

Ms Ruscoe is a wellness instructor and personal trainer. She competed on another Ten reality show, the Amazing Race Australia with former partner Sidney Pierucci.

Garside won a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo in the men’s lightweight event.

While in South Africa but before I’m A Celebrity began filming, Garside told The Daily Telegraph he would take time in the jungle to figure out what he will do with his career in the future.

“To be honest I am undecided and I am hoping the jungle will be the place where I can explore it a little bit more with all of the free time,” Garside told The Daily Telegraph of his future career options at the time.

Ashley Ruscoe in Sydney on Tuesday.

Ash Ruscoe as a competitor in The Amazing Race.

“I really hope that in that time I have a few answers about what direction I would like to walk in when it comes to boxing and the future of my life.”

He said there were three career options he was considering.

“There is professional boxing, set myself up for life, win a world title and make a lot of money,” he explained.

“Then there is amateur boxing, the honour and pride, Australia has never won an Olympic gold medal and I’d love to be the first. And then also as well, potentially walking away from boxing altogether and starting a family or putting my mind towards a business or something else.

“They are the three options, personally my heart and my love is still in boxing so I think option three probably isn’t really an option but it has still got to be on the cards I guess.”

At the time, Garside said he was “single” after splitting from Ruscoe.

He competed on the reality show for his chosen charity, Reach youth organisation.

Tuesday’s news comes amid reports the boxer’s former manager, Peter Mitrevski, has sent a defamation complaint to Garside over comments he made during the season of I’m A Celebrity.

Mr Mitrevski has said the comments were highly offensive and inaccurate.