The ex-husband of F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone appeared in court today charged with assaulting and harassing a man at a £4m property in Knightsbridge.
James Stunt, 38, is accused of posting messages, photos and videos of Bijan Burnard on social media in an alleged incident of harassment in August.
The businessman is charged was assaulting Mr Burnard and stealing his driving licence, as well as possessing cocaine when he was arrested at the Knightsbridge mews property, where he lived at the time.
Stunt, who was married to socialite Ms Ecclestone between 2011 and 2017, is also accused of damaging a police cell after his arrest on August 6.
He appeared at Westminster magistrates court this morning to deny all the charges against him.
Also in the court hearing was Helena Robinson, 24, who is accused of possession of cocaine at the Knightsbridge property where she was living with Stunt, and assaulting a police officer.
She pleaded not guilty by videolink to both charges.
District Judge Angus Hamilton sent the case to Southwark crown court for a hearing on December 16.
Petra Ecclestone with James Stunt
Getty ImagesStunt was granted bail on the condition that he does not contact Mr Burnard, while Robinson was given unconditional bail.
Stunt, previously reported to be worth £3 billion, had his assets frozen in 2018 and was declared bankrupt last year with debts of more than £5 million.
His business interests have included gold mining, private wealth management, gambling, and investments in cargo ships.
According to the charges against him, Stunt allegedly “assaulted Bijan Burnard by beating him” and is accused of harassment by “posting several messages, photographs and videos of the victim on social media”.
It is also alleged he caused £183.55 of damage to a custody cell at Charing Cross police station.
Stunt, who is living with Robinson at a new London home, wore a protective mask in the dock during today’s court hearing.
