Ryan Phelan: TV star to face hearing for domestic violence charges

Former Channel 7 star Ryan Phelan will fight allegations he assaulted his ex. Today, the witnesses who will give evidence were revealed.

TV personality Ryan Phelan will face a pre-Christmas hearing as he fights allegations assaulted his former partner at their luxury northern beaches home.

Mr Phelan, 45, was charged in June with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault against Chelsea Franklin.

He has pleaded not guilty to both counts and to an AVO taken out against him by police.

The court heard that Ms Franklin would be called to give evidence at the upcoming hearing, which is expected to take about two hours.

Ryan Phelan leaves Manly Local Court in June. Picture: John Grainger

The former co-host of Channel 7’s The Daily Edition and veteran sports anchor did not appear before Manly Local Court on Tuesday where a hearing date was set down for December 22.

His solicitor Claudette Chua asked the court for her client to be excused, noting the “significant media attention” surrounding the case, adding he could appear at a few minutes notice if required. The magistrate agreed he did not need to be present in court

The court heard the officer in charge of the matter and Ms Franklin would be called to give evidence at the upcoming hearing.

Chelsea Franklin and TV presenter Ryan Phelan.

Mr Phelan’s bail was continued, as was the AVO taken out on behalf of Ms Franklin.

Police allege the 45-year-old assaulted Ms Franklin on the afternoon of June 20 at their multimillion-dollar home they recently bought together at Frenchs Forest.

Ms Franklin attended the local police station that evening, and Mr Phelan was arrested the same night before being charged on June 23.

Lawyer Claudette Chua and Ryan Phelan. Picture: John Grainger

Ms Franklin, 44, told media she was “completely devastated” at her partner’s arrest.

“He was my best friend and lover. We have had an amazing wonderful relationship so I hope he is OK,” she said at the time.

Ms Chua said in a statement in June: “The allegation is unequivocally denied by our client.”

The Seven Network sacked Mr Phelan after being notified of the charges, saying in a statement he would not be returning to The Daily Edition “effective immediately”.