‘I had a private life': Latham responds to domestic violence allegations
In submissions to the NSW Local Court, Nathalie Matthews, the independent MP's former girlfriend and a Liberal Party member, alleged the former One Nation MP engaged in a 'sustained pattern' of abuse, including emotional, psychological and financial manipulation.
Her AVO application claims Latham pressured Matthews to have sex with other people and participate in depraved acts, and drove his car at her, with his side mirror hitting her and 'causing a bruise'.
This masthead does not suggest that the claims against Latham are true, only that they have been made and will be contested in court. Latham has denied the accusations.
Speaking on Sydney's 2SM on Wednesday, Latham said the allegations were 'absolutely' untrue and he would defend himself in court.
He also addressed explicit messages between the couple published in the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday, which were sent while the former One Nation MP was sitting in the parliamentary chamber. Latham claimed they were 'edited' and lacked context.
In the messages, sent via WhatsApp, Latham sent sexually suggestive emojis and referred to himself as 'master' at times when parliament was sitting.
Asked by 2SM mornings presenter Chris Smith if he sent the messages while at work, Latham defended his actions and his record as an MP 'holding the Minns government to account'.
'My output as an MP matches up against anyone in the upper house,' he said. 'Sitting there listening to Penny Sharpe droning on, and then a woman who looks like Nathalie Matthews sends you a message. Which one would you pay attention to?'
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The premier said he had received legal advice that the former Liberal could be expelled from parliament if required. Ward has held the Kiama electorate since 2011, winning three elections under the Liberal banner before securing the 2023 poll as an independent. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 A disgraced state MP who sexually abused two young men has suffered yet another court defeat. Kiama MP Gareth Ward, 44, was convicted earlier in July in the NSW District Court of sexual intercourse without consent and three indecent assaults. A day after being denied bail while he waits for sentencing, his defamation lawsuit against radio station 2SM was heard in the NSW District Court. The nature of the defamation allegations was not revealed in a brief court hearing on Thursday morning, beside that it related to his recent criminal convictions. 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