MARK STORY
All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson has extra reason to smile when he assembles with the national squad today.
The 27-year-old walked free from Hastings District Court yesterday after being cleared of two counts of assault on his girlfriend, TV presenter Joanna Holley.
Ms Holley took the witness stand in yesterday's
depositions hearing and told of a heated argument that started at a friend's wedding in Havelock North on December 20, 2008.
Towards the end of the wedding, about 2am, she thought Thomson was "ignoring" her, and snatched his Von Zipper sunglasses before "snapping them into four or six pieces".
"I was really angry. It was a big misunderstanding. He just walked away," she said.
Another witness, who has name suppression, tried to intervene as Ms Holley attempted to stop her boyfriend from boarding a bus.
"Jo kept standing in front of him."
The witness said Thomson finally reacted and pushed Ms Holley aside so he could get on the bus.
Ms Holley played down the push, describing it as a "shrugging off".
"Adam never punched me, he never slapped me, he never assaulted me."
Later the argument continued at the couple's room at Village Court Motel in Havelock North.
Ms Holley told the court she had tried to stop him entering the room to pick up his gear. In the process of Thomson pushing the door open, she sustained a "scratch" to her brow.
"I completely over-reacted and called the police. I was still hysterical."
She confirmed alcohol was a factor in the fracas.
"It (alcohol) played a huge part. As soon as I made the 111 call to police I realised it was a mistake."
Ms Holley, who was in tears in the stand, said she also doubted the accuracy of police notes taken at the time of the incident.
"I didn't see the notes and I didn't sign them as I believed the policewoman interviewing me was putting words in my mouth."
Police photographs taken to record any injuries were taken without her consent, she said. Neither the photos nor the police notes were submitted to the court.
In summing up, defence counsel Mike Antunovic said there was no evidence to substantiate the two charges. After a short adjournment, the presiding JPs agreed and dismissed both charges.
Ms Holley and Thomson embraced on hearing the decision.
Outside court, the All Black said it had been a hard six months for the couple and their families.
"Jo and I have a big year ahead of us and a lot of prospects so I'm glad it's all over."
