Groom attack girlfriend cleared

Ben Maher is ranked as the fifth top rider in Britain

The girlfriend of an Olympic showjumper has been found not guilty of attacking his former groom.

Kathleen Baker, 26, from Orpington, south London, was cleared of attacking Megan Pugh near the All-England Jumping course at Hickstead, West Sussex.

Her boyfriend, Ben Maher, 25, of Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, was cleared of the same charge on Thursday.

Brighton Crown Court heard both denied assault causing actual bodily harm to Miss Pugh at a pub in July 2006.

During the week-long trial, Miss Pugh, who is Mr Maher's ex-girlfriend, told the court that Miss Baker lashed out at her as she spent the evening at The Castle pub, near the course, with friends.

We're relieved that, after two years, we are finally cleared of the charges Ben Maher

She said Mr Maher then became involved, claiming that he grabbed her hair and punched her in the face.

However, owing to inconsistencies in the evidence Recorder Judith Nichols said she did not believe he could continue to be tried for the charge, and she directed the jury to record a not guilty verdict.

Mr Maher, who is ranked as the fifth top rider by the British Show Jumping Association and finished 20th in the individual jumping final in Beijing, was instead attempting to act as peacemaker, the court heard.

Jurors were previously told that Miss Pugh had become involved with Mr Maher soon after she started to work as his groom in January 2004.

But she said they broke up in July 2005 and she then started a new job, although they saw each other at equestrian events.

'Horrible experience'

Jurors were told by Miss Baker that Miss Pugh had actually attacked her.

Miss Baker said Mr Maher rushed over afterwards and helped her away from Miss Pugh and her friends.

Speaking outside the court, Mr Maher said: "We're relieved that, after two years, we are finally cleared of the charges.

"I have been cleared on the specific guidance of the judge who believed that the evidence against me was so inconsistent it simply could not go to the jury.

"We are now looking forward to putting this behind us and getting on with our lives."

Miss Baker added: "I am delighted that this horrible experience may now be put behind Ben and I.

"I'm now looking forward to concentrating on my career, particularly new opportunities within the equestrian world."