Designer Wayne Cooper acquitted of domestic violence charge against ex-wife Sarah Marsh

He was once one of Australia’s most celebrated fashion designers, but Wayne Cooper says he ‘lost everything’ when his ex-wife accused him of assaulting her.

Fashion designer Wayne Cooper says his life and career have been ruined, even though he was acquitted of assaulting his ex-wife, model Sarah Marsh.

Cooper spoke exclusively to The Sunday Telegraph, the first time he has commented since being cleared of all charges in court on Friday.

“I tell you what, this hasn’t been pleasant and I don’t wish this upon anybody,” Cooper said. “It has taken a toll on me and has cost me a lot of money to defend myself.

“My poor children. No child needs to see their mother or father going through something like this. I had to defend myself because I didn’t do these things.”

Cooper revealed the lengthy process also cost him his relationship with department store Myer.

Wayne Cooper and new partner Elizabeth Adams at Bondi on Saturday: Tim Hunter

“I lost my Myer contract because of the negative press,” he said. “I was with Myer for 30 years. I have really suffered.”

Myer confirmed it no longer has an association with the once-celebrated British-born fashion designer.

A spokeswoman for Myer said: “Myer acquired the Wayne Cooper brand in 2011 and employed Wayne Cooper in the capacity of a creative consultant.

“Whilst Myer still owns the Wayne Cooper brand, Wayne is no longer employed in any capacity by Myer and he has no ongoing association with the Wayne Cooper brand.”

Cooper with then-partner Sarah Marsh out on the town in 2009.

Cooper and Marsh preparing for the 1996 Australian Fashion Awards.

Police arrested 60-year-old Cooper at his NSW north coast home in May after receiving reports of historical domestic violence against his wife and former model Marsh.

It was alleged Cooper assaulted his wife during two separate incidents in 2015 and 2016. During the court hearing, Marsh alleged she was left fearful when Cooper allegedly assaulted her in their Tamarama home while she was doing the laundry.

She claimed he threw the clothes into the pool, grabbed her by both arms and shoved her against a glass door in December 2015.

“We separated and then she did this,” he said.

Fashion designer Wayne Cooper as he left his home under police supervision following the charges of which he has now been acquitted.

“She just decided to make these allegations seven or so years later. This coincided with us separating.

“When I got arrested I had absolutely no idea why I was being arrested. And when I heard the charges I was in complete shock.

“She got an AVO and got me arrested in Byron Bay … I wasn’t allowed back in my own house.”

While Cooper was found not guilty on Friday, this is not the first time he has faced criminal charges.

Police charged Cooper with assaulting his wife days after she underwent cancer surgery in June 2008.

Charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intimidation were dropped but he pleaded guilty to common assault in October that year and was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond.

Cooper, who has since moved to Byron Bay and is dating a woman named Elizabeth, said he is looking forward to getting on with his life.

“Elizabeth has helped and supported me greatly to get through this as it’s been tough dealing with this but now we can hopefully move on with our lives.”

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