Keisha's ex faces assault charge

Michael Graves and his partner Keisha Castle-Hughes. Photos / Brett Phibbs, Norrie Montgomery

The on-off boyfriend of actress Keisha Castle-Hughes appeared in court today over allegations he assaulted her following an Oscars party.

Michael Graves, 22, allegedly assaulted his former girlfriend after the pair had been watching the Oscars ceremony at a private afternoon function on February 28.

After his first court appearance, Graves told APNZ the pair had been arguing while driving to get some food.

Ms Castle-Hughes then tried to jump out of the car while he was driving, he said.

The car was swerving while Graves tried to pull her back inside the moving vehicle, and he pulled the car over on Dominion Road.

The police were called and Mr Graves was arrested. He spent the night in jail and police laid a charge of assault against him.

The pair have dated on and off for over one year, but broke up following the incident.

Graves has been legally banned from contacting or seeing his former girlfriend as part of bail conditions.

He appeared in Auckland District Court today briefly on the the charge, dressed in a red polo top and green pants.

Lawyer Ron Mansfield has taken on the case, and asked for the matter to be remanded for another three weeks for "further discussions to take place.''

Mr Graves was remanded on bail for three weeks until April 3.

When approached outside the courtroom, Mr Graves declined to comment.