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Twist on the former Channel Nine star’s court battle for allegedly assaulting his wife after a night of drinking as he bids to have the case dismissed
- Cameron Williams, 59, appeared in court Friday on assault charges.
- Former Channel 9 presenter is accused of assaulting his wife Natasha
- He had been a presenter for 9 for 16 years before suddenly quitting
Former Channel 9 sports presenter Cameron Williams has asked the court to dismiss an assault charge on the grounds of mental ill-health, a court heard.
The 59-year-old man appeared in Singleton Local Court on Friday after he pleaded not guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and common battery.
The court heard that the prosecutor dropped the more serious charge of assault causing actual bodily harm at the 11th hour after successful negotiations between the prosecution and defense Thursday night.
Police allege he assaulted his wife Natasha Russo at a property on Putty Road in Howes Valley between 8:30 a.m. and shortly after midnight on November 19 last year.
Former Channel 9 sports presenter Cameron Williams allegedly assaulted his wife Natasha Russo
According to police reports, the couple had been drinking that night when they got into an argument at their Hunter Valley home.
Mr. Williams allegedly grabbed his wife by the arm and pushed her before police were called to the property just before 1 a.m. on November 20.
On Friday, the court heard that Mr. Williams would request that the remaining common assault charge be dismissed under the mental health law.
His attorney Paul McGirr submitted psychologist reports to the court to support the submission.
Williams was due to fight the charge in a four-hour hearing Friday before the last-minute mental health request was filed.
Mr. Williams allegedly grabbed his wife by the arm and pushed her before police were called to the property just before 1 a.m. on November 20.
If the request is unsuccessful, McGirr told the court that his client would plead guilty to the assault charge.
The court appearance comes less than a year after Williams stepped down from his role as a sports presenter for Channel 9.
He had been a presenter at the station for more than 16 years when he announced his surprise retirement in March 2022.
At the time, the 59-year-old explained that he was retiring from work to focus on his health and family.
Following the alleged altercation, the former sports presenter was granted bail to live in Coogee, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and abide by the terms of an apprehended violence warrant.