James Argent's domestic violence case explained as reality star's ex releases statement detailing incident
Earlier today (6 June), reality TV star James Argent's ex-girlfriend, Nicoline Artursson, revealed shocking details about the attack she suffered at their home in Spain.
Nicoline explained she had just opened the door to Argent when he threw her out of the property. She said she later found herself 'laying down on the stairs outside our house'.
Argent has since been given a six-month suspended sentence and a two-year restraining order to prevent him from approaching or contacting Nicoline.
The reality TV star pleaded guilty to 'ill-treatment in the field of gender violence' and must do a rehabilitation course as part of his sentence.
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What happened during the attack?
Nicoline, 32, took to her Instagram Stories where she shared details about the attack, which took place outside their new home in Spain last month.
Speaking about the evening in question, Nicoline claimed that she had opened the door to Argent before he 'threw her out'.
"I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house," she recalled.
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"My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured.
"Thanks to incredible neighbours who heard and saw what happened and acted, I got help. They called police, brought me to safety and ensured the incident was taken seriously.
"A gentleman does not abuse you and end up in jail and call you the love of his life. A gentleman does not blame you for his actions. A gentleman will confide in his partner, family and close circle of friends, keeping them close and safe. A gentleman chooses you always and leaves the past in the past - including exes."
What has Nicoline said?
In her statement, Nicoline also spoke about her relationship with Argent, which she said started off as a 'love story'.
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"Behind the pictures, promises and the plans for a life together, the beautiful days changed into sadness with emotional manipulation and eventually physical harm," she said.
"I loved deeply, believed in our future and stood by someone I thought would protect me and instead I was left alone and harmed in ways I never imagined.
"I was not only failed by him but deeply affected by the presence of unresolved ties to his past."
The 32-year-old also spoke about tensions regarding one of Argent's ex-girlfriends, adding: "Yes I posted an Instagram story with a simple yes or no question about if your ex should be a part of your present relationship.
"I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. ‘Three’s a crowd,’ they say.
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"I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue."
In her statement, Nicoline also emphasised that life is 'not a reality TV show'.
"I have tried to understand why. I have cried so many tears thinking about the way he chose to hurt me. He said he loved me and I believed him and here we are," she added.
"There is now a legal record of what happened. Violence has no excuse - no matter how much love preceded it.
"To those who questioned me for staying as long as I did: I stayed because I believed in love. I believed he and we could grow, could heal, could choose peace. But love doesn’t survive in chaos. And it cannot survive where violence lives.
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"To every woman reading this: if you’ve ever questioned your worth, your safety or your sanity in a relationship - this is your sign. You deserved to be loved with care and integrity. And you are not alone.
"To the men: real strength is protection. Real love is safe. Be the kind of man who lifts women up - not one who breaks them down, neither by violence or silence.
"To the future: never say never. I will get the little family I’ve always dreamed of and have my dream wedding to symbolise and celebrate true love in front of my dear family and friends."
What has Argent said?
Following the attack, Argent confirmed to the MailOnline that he had not 'relapsed' following his struggles with substance abuse.
He said: "I haven't relapsed. I am still three years and four months clean and sober. I am devastated by what's happened."
Has Argent been charged?
Argent has been given a six-month suspended sentence and a two-year restraining order to prevent him from approaching or contacting Nicoline.
Spanish police said he was arrested on 5 May for 'an alleged crime of domestic violence'.
He later appeared before the Court of Violence against Women.
A spokesman for the Spanish Ministry of Justice said the crime was 'ill-treatment in the field of gender violence' adding: "The suspension would be lifted if [Argent] fails to comply with the measures imposed."
LADbible has previously reached out to Argent's rep for comment.
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Lucy Devine