Farmer Wants a Wife Australia 2021’s Samuel Messina has been found guilty of a series of domestic violence offences.
**TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains detailed information regarding domestic abuse that may trigger some readers.**
The 27-year-old fronted court on November 15 and was handed down guilty verdicts to three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The incidents occurred in 2019, over a year before he appeared on the Channel 7 staple, involving his ex-girlfriend.
Even though Messina denied ever assaulting his former partner and pleaded not guilty, the Illawarra court heard that she was violently abused on four separate occasions in 2019.
According to court reports from The Daily Telegraph, in March 2019, Messina opened a door into his ex’s right foot, causing her physical harm.
In July of that same year, the reality TV star allegedly grabbed her by the clothes and threw her onto the floor. He was then accused of “shoving” her and punching her in the nose, which caused it to bleed.
The court also heard that Messina whipped his then-girlfriend with a phone charging cable, with her alleging that the relationship was characterised by “control and abuse”; however, this could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
The woman and Messina continued to live together, alongside another person, following the alleged incidents. However, she soon moved out to live with her mother.
A sentencing assessment and psychological report will be prepared before Messina is sentenced in January.
Farmer Wants a Wife’s Samuel Messina Was at the Centre of Controversy During His Stint on Farmer Wants a Wife 2021
In January 2021, So Dramatic! revealed Messina’s violent history, and in May 2022, he also pleaded guilty to unlawful entry, stalking and intimidation charges.
During his stint on FWAW, the former reality star was at the centre of controversy after claims were made that he was a truck driver and not a farmer and that he had a girlfriend while filming.
If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. You can also talk to someone from 1800RESPECT via online chat. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
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