Josh Reynolds’ domestic violence charge dropped

NRL star Josh Reynolds has issued an emotional statement after charges against him were dropped following revelations about his former partner.

Domestic violence charges levelled against Wests Tigers player Josh Reynolds have been dropped by police following new revelations about his former partner, her multiple aliases and numerous alleged fake pregnancies.

The 30-year-old NRL pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm related to an alleged incident involving his former partner, Arabella Del Busso.

Arabella Del Busso and Josh Reynolds are no longer together. Picture: Facebook

Police had alleged that he assaulted Ms Del Busso at his Caringbah South home between 7pm and 11pm on September 12.

The footy star issued an emotional statement after the charges were dropped this morning.

“The last nine weeks, since I was charged, have been one of the most tumultuous and difficult periods of my life,” he said. “During this time my personal life was aired to the public and most importantly my character and principles were questioned.

“Whilst I am relieved, I believe the charges against me should never have been brought. I was always an innocent man and I am happy the legal system has proved this. I am relieved in the fact that I can now get on with my life and move forward.”

He thanked his family, friends, fans and the Tigers for standing by him in some of his “darkest moments”.

The pair were in a long-term relationship but are no longer together.

Reynolds was arrested and charged after Ms Del Busso presented to St George Police Station.

Footage emerged in January of Reynolds in an argument with a woman, presumably Ms Del Busso. The video quickly circulated online and showed an agitated Reynolds calling the woman a “dog”.

“Can you get out? Out of my house, I want you out now. I want you out now or I’m going to f***ing flip it. I swear to god, I’m going to flip it,” Reynolds said.

However, the sportsman has always maintained his innocence.

Earlier this month, Reynolds’ legal team claimed Ms Del Busso — whose real name is Donna Preusker — has a history of deception and false aliases, used to exploit several former partners.

His legal team intended to rely upon Ms Preusker’s former boyfriends — along with several medical documents — in defending the assault charges, each of whom allegedly paid thousands of dollars to Ms Preusker for a variety of reasons, one being false cancer treatment.

As revealed by Channel 9 News, Preusker has used fake personas in past relationships, allegedly tricking past lovers for money.

Ms Del Busso’s real name is Donna Preusker. Picture: Supplied

Reynolds played a trail game last weekend. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“I know her as Bella Donna Di Donato … She told me she had cervical cancer. I gave her about two-and-a-half to three thousand dollars for her treatment,” said one former boyfriend, who did not disclose his identity.

“She can’t get away with doing this to people. She’s been doing it for years.”

Michael Hayes, another former partner of Ms Preusker’s, was awarded nearly $8000 in a Queensland tribunal after he sued for the return of money she claimed was needed for a relative’s funeral.

According to Channel 9 News, Ms Preusker had falsely told Reynolds she was pregnant on three several instances, also informing the Tigers star she had gone through two miscarriages. However, Ms Preusker’s medical records allegedly prove she was never pregnant on any of those three occasions.

Meanwhile, Reynolds has been cleared to play for the Tigers by the NRL, opening up on the saga after his team’s pre-season loss to Penrith last weekend.

Because he was transparent with the NRL integrity unit throughout, Reynolds was given the green light to keep playing instead of being stood down.

An alleged pregnancy photo of Arabella Del Busso. Picture: Supplied

“I’m not going to lie, I was in a bit of a bad place when that was all up in the air,” Reynolds said.

“Footy is my release and I was definitely a bit worried. For the NRL to back me and put their faith in me is a great feeling.

“Just to step over that white line tonight, despite the result, was an awesome feeling.”

Reynolds will not be facing court again on April 29 on the charges.