Reality star James Argent arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in Spain

James Argent has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.

The former The Only Way is Essex star was taken into custody on 5 May by the Spanish Civil Guard in Costa del Sol.

The 37-year-old was on holiday in Spain with his girlfriend Nicoline Artursson, having confirmed their relationship last September.

Argent has been given a six-month suspended sentence and a two-year restraining order to prevent him from approaching or contacting the 32-year-old former Miss Sweden.

The reality TV star pleaded guilty to ‘mistreating’ Artursson in and has to do a ‘re-socialisation course in the field of gender violence’. The British celeb was spared jail after striking a plea bargain deal with public prosecutors.

The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed Argent was arrested by local police employed by Mijas Town Hall.

Nicoline and James. (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland)

Authorities have not given any detailed information about Argent's reported physical assault.

Onlookers told the Mirror they were 'frightened by his shouts' as they say they 'heard an aggressive man yellowing' and 'throwing objects from the terrace'.

It is said the star took the decision to admit to the crime after being told he could face a more serious charge with a prison sentence of up to five years if he denied wrongdoing.

He would also therefore have faced a full trial in an open court.

Prison sentences of two years or less tend to be suspended for first-time offenders in Spain.

Argent often spends time in Spain and first met Artursson there. (David M. Benett/Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Andalucia’s High Court of Justice said: “The matter was resolved in Fuengirola’s Court of Violence Against Women. There was a plea agreement on May 5 and a trial the same day.

“In trials of this kind it is the prosecutor who suggests a conviction after negotiating with the defence. It implies that the defendant acknowledges the facts and admits the penalty. The judgment is now final having been accepted.

“It consists of a sentence of six months in prison for the commission of a crime of mistreatment in the ambit of gender violence. It also implies a prohibition on approaching and communicating with the victim for a period of two years.

“The convicted person will not enter prison as he had no criminal record in Spain. For this reason, the sentence is suspended but on condition that, over a period of two years he does not approach or communicate with the victim and has to carry out a re-socialisation course in the field of gender violence.

“The suspension would be revoked if it fails to comply with the measures imposed. The sentence will be sent to a criminal court that will be responsible for its execution and compliance with the measures implicit therein.”

LADbible has contacted a representative for James Argent for a comment.