Laura Woods supports Adam Collard as millionaire father goes on trial accused of assaulting him in cottage dispute
Laura Woods has arrived at court with her fiancé Adam Collard as his dad goes on trial for allegedly assaulting him in a cottage dispute.
Multi-millionaire William Collard, known as Billy, is charged with assault by beating following an alleged argument with his son last year.
Billy, 56, allegedly left his son with a torn shirt and a neck injury.
The dispute was over who owned the holiday cottage on Billy’s farm in Northumberland, the court heard.
When Adam arrived with a police officer to change the locks, he found his dad had parked his car across the driveway.
A heated argument ensued when Adam tried to enter the property, leaving him battered and bruised, it was heard.
Collard’s trial has been adjourned until November 27.
Adam, 30 – engaged to sports presenter Laura, 38, who is pregnant with their second child – has previously described his dad as the "most inspiring and generous guy".
Billy is said to be well-known in his native North East for his vast property empire, which reportedly earns him an impressive £140,000 a year.
And prior to his 2018 stint in Casa Amor, it emerged Adam was set to inherit millions from his 56-year-old dad – believed to be worth £6 million.
In rare interviews speaking about his dad, fitness coach Adam revealed the two have had their disagreements over the years.
He admitted he once got "kicked out of the house" after getting his first tattoo as a teenager – despite his dad later getting one of his own.
Billy’s business was worth £3 million back in 2008 – and its value is believed to have doubled since then.
But, the same year, he admitted £6,000 of benefits fraud after claiming income support due to a sleeping disorder.
He falsely claimed he had no income, capital, or assets – despite his vast property portfolio.
Billy also applied for income support for his partner and two children because he was suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.
Before the fraud was uncovered, he pocketed almost £6,000 between December 2003 and September 2004, Newcastle Crown Court heard.
He denied the charge at multiple magistrates’ court appearances – but later admitted to making a false statement to obtain benefits.
Billy was handed a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £2,000 in court costs.
Judge David Hodson said: "You have at last had the good sense to admit this offense. This case has gotten completely and utterly out of hand.
"You have incurred further costs and there is absolutely no reason why you should not pay them."
When questioned about his conviction years later, Billy said "it is what it is", but added he did not want his actions to reflect on his son.
He told the Daily Mail: "I did not even get a fine.
"Me and Adam are completely different. What I do is completely different from what Adam does.
"I do not really want to comment on Adam being in Love Island. It is not our type of thing."
Adam’s fiancé and ITV World Cup presenter Laura recently revealed how Adam "rescued her in lots of ways".
The couple – who share a baby together – recently announced they were expecting their second child after posting the news on social media.
World Affairs Correspondent
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