Relief for All Black star cleared of assault

Adam Thomson and Jo Holley. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson had reason to smile when he assembled with the national squad yesterday.

After being cleared of two counts of assault on his TV presenter girlfriend Joanna Holley, he said it had been a hard six months for the couple.

"Jo and I have a big year ahead of us and a lot of prospects so I'm glad it's all over," the 27-year-old said outside Hastings District Court.

Ms Holley took the witness stand in the depositions hearing on Tuesday and told of an argument on December 21 last year after a friend's wedding.

She said she thought Thomson was "ignoring" her and snatched his Von Zipper sunglasses before snapping them.

"I was really angry. It was a big misunderstanding. He just walked away."

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 Village Court Motel in Havelock North.

Ms Holley told the court she tried to stop him entering the room and as he pushed 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.

"It 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 doubted the accuracy of police notes written down at the time and photos taken to record any injuries were taken without her consent.

Neither the photos nor the notes were submitted to the court.

After a short adjournment, the presiding JPs agreed there was no evidence to substantiate the two charges and dismissed them.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY