Tennis star, Nick Kyrgios has avoided a criminal conviction despite he pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend in Australia.
The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up pleaded guilty in the Australian Capital Territory Magistrates Court to assaulting Chiara Passari during an argument in his hometown of Canberra in January 2021.
At a courtroom in Canberra, Kyrgios pleaded guilty to pushing Passari to the ground two years ago. Magistrate Jane Campbell did not convict the tennis players for reasons including that the offence was at the low end of seriousness for a common assault, and was not premeditated.
A magistrate in the tennis star’s hometown of Canberra did not record a conviction against the 27-year-old, describing the common assault as an act of ‘stupidity’ and ‘frustration’ but said it was not premeditated.
Magistrate Jane Campbell also dismissed the offence on the basis that it was at the low end of seriousness for a common assault.
Kyrgios, who was using crutches following recent surgery on his left knee, didn’t speak to reporters as he left the court but issued a statement through a management company.
‘I respect today’s ruling and am grateful to the court for dismissing the charges without conviction,’ Kyrgios said.
I was not in a good place when this took place and I reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret. I know it wasn’t OK and I’m sincerely sorry for the hurt I caused.
‘Mental health is tough. Life can seem overwhelming. But I’ve found that getting help and working on myself has helped me to feel better and to be better.’
A psychologist told the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Magistrates Court that Kyrgios had suffered severe depression, suicidal ideation and insomnia in the past but his mental health had improved.
The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up had pushed his former girlfriend to the ground during an argument in January 2021.
On Friday February 3, Kyrgios’ psychologist, Sam Borenstein, said in a written report and testimony by phone the tennis star had suffered major depressive episodes in the past and had used alcohol and drugs to cope.
His mental health had led to impulsive and reckless behaviour.
Mr. Borenstein added that the 27-year-old’s recent knee injury had resulted in mild to moderate symptoms of depression, but his mental health was improving.
Lawyers for Kyrgios had previously sought to have the assault charge stemming from events two years ago dismissed on mental health grounds but the application was unsuccessful.
In February last year, Kyrgios opened up about his performance at the 2019 Australian Open, saying what appeared to be a positive time in his life had been ‘one of my darkest periods’.
‘I was lonely, depressed, negative, abusing alcohol, drugs, pushed away family and friends,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘I felt as if I couldn’t talk or trust anyone. This was a result of not opening up and refusing to lean on my loved ones and simply just push myself little by little to be positive.’
