Lauren Goodger's ex denies assaulting the reality TV star, court hears
Lauren Goodger's ex-boyfriend Charles Drury has denied assaulting her, a court heard today.
Drury, former partner of the TOWIE star, pleaded not guilty to both charges when he appeared at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on June 14.
The builder, 25, was then bailed ahead of his appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court today.
Drury allegedly caused former TOWIE star Goodger actual bodily harm on August 4 2022.
The 26-year-old is also charged with engaging in “controlling or coercive behaviour” against the 36-year-old between August 1 2020 and August 5 2022.
Lauren Goodger joins Katie Price and unveils 'butterfly lips' after tweakmentDrury pleaded not guilty to the charges during a brief preliminary hearing at the court in the east London borough of Redbridge on Tuesday.
While “personally connected” to her, the indictment claims he “engaged in behaviour towards Lauren Goodger that was controlling or coercive which had a serious effect” on her.
It alleges he “caused Lauren Goodger to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence will be used against” her, “at a time when he knew or ought to have known that the behaviour” would have a “serious effect” on her.
The second charge states that he “assaulted Lauren Goodger thereby occasioning her actual bodily harm” on August 4 2022.
In court, Drury had his hair slicked back and wore a white shirt and blue tie and spoke to confirm his name and enter his pleas.
Judge Oscar Del Fabbro adjourned the case ahead of a further pre-trial hearing at the same court on February 12 2024, followed by a trial, listed for five days, starting on March 18 2024. He released Drury on unconditional bail.
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said: “A man has appeared in court charged with offences linked to an incident in Upminster.
“Charles Drury – 25 (25.06.97) of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 14 June charged with assault (ABH) and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour.
“He was bailed to next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 12 July. The charges relate to an incident police were called to in Upminster on 4 August 2022. A woman aged in her 30s was treated for facial injuries.“