Justin Lee Collins insists: I'm not an abuser
TELEVISION presenter Justin Lee Collins says he will not appeal against his conviction for harassing his ex-girlfriend – but has refused to accept he is "violent or an abuser".
The Bristol-born comedian, below, was sentenced to 140 hours of unpaid work on Tuesday.
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Justin Lee Collins
A jury at St Albans Crown Court heard during their seven-month relationship last year the 38-year-old entertainer made Anna Larke, also 38, sleep facing him, wrote down her previous sexual experiences and assaulted her.
After he was convicted Ms Larke's family released a statement describing Collins, who left his marital home in Clifton before living with Ms Larke in London, as an "abuser".
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Yesterday he released a statement, which said: "I deeply regret the distress and anguish I have caused by my behaviour in what was a very troubled and difficult relationship with Anna Larke.
"After careful reflection in the last 24 hours I have decided not to proceed with an appeal against my conviction.
"I would like to reiterate what I made clear in court, that I have never used or threatened violence against Anna Larke or anybody in my life. I accept that the jury have found elements of my conduct amounted to harassment, which I apologise for unreservedly, but I will never accept the allegation that I am violent or an abuser."
Collins had insisted he only ever gently slapped Ms Larke twice, when she was hysterical and relapsing into alcoholism. He told jurors she was jealous, obsessive and possessive.
Comments
by Liljen120
Monday, October 15 2012, 4:04PM
“News of this truely bothered me, I never would have expected JLC to have a sinister side. He says he accepts ge harrassed her but is not an abuser?!?!? The phrase 6 of 1 half a dozen of another springs to mind. Violence is NEVER ok in anything other than necessary self-defence!”
by mattbristol3
Thursday, October 11 2012, 11:06PM
“you reap what you sow and he is a disgrace and should not be given the publicity he wants”
by Devonrobbie
Thursday, October 11 2012, 3:49PM
“Quote, " I have never used or threatened violence against Anna Larke in my life...I only ever slapped her twice"”
by whammmy
Thursday, October 11 2012, 2:03PM
“It's weird, actually feel a little sorry for JLC, the woman he was accused by is clearly disturbed and now she will be the only person to benefit both financially and with publicity.
I don't doubt that JLC was not a completely Innocent party, but why did Miss Larke only decide to press charges once the relationship was over?
He has been stitched up like a kipper, but he was a bit annoying anyway...
And he was never a BCFC fan either, just a glory-hunter when we made the play-offs.”
by dinsedale
Thursday, October 11 2012, 12:52PM
“The people I feel sorry for are the producers of Justin Lee Collins brings back Jim'll fix it”