Former boxing champion David Haye cleared of assault charges

• Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring dropped David Haye case at Westminister Magistrates’ Court. 
• The court had heard that Nickesh Jhala, his girlfriend and cousin were sitting behind the former boxer who allegedly assaulted Mr Jhala. 

Boxer David Haye case has been dropped after Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said that ‘there is no case to answer’.

On Tuesday, the ex-cruiserweight champion arrived at Westminister Magistrates’ Court wearing a navy blazer and a white shirt. 

David Haye allegedly grabbed Nickesh by the throat and threatened to kill him because of his derogatory remarks. The incident happened at the Hammersmith Apollo on October 30, 2021. 

Boxer David Haye case was due to last two days, but the bench decided to clear the former heavyweight halfway through the trials. Paul Goldspring told Westminister Magistrates’ Court hearing that the prosecution’s evidence was not convincing.

Boxer David Haye case dropped. Photo Twitter.

Before the ruling, the court had heard evidence from Nickesh Jhala, his cousin Vishal Vadher, his girlfriend Nina Nagar and Rupal Karia (independent witness). 

Giving evidence, Nickesh Jhala said that David Haye approached him, leaned down to speak to his ear and placed his hand around his throat. 

Nickesh was left traumatized and petrified due to the alleged assault. He further told the court that Haye threatened to kill him if he said another word. 

The court also saw CCTV footage from the venue where David Haye allegedly assaulted Mr Jhala. 

David Haye was accused of attacking Nickesh Jhala after he made disrespectful comments toward him and his girlfriend. 

Nickesh Jhala, his girlfriend and cousin, were sitting behind the former boxer when he made the comments. 

Jonathan Bryan, prosecuting, told the court that the assault on Nickesh Jhala happened during the interval at Paul Chowdhry’s comedy gig. 

Jonathan Bryan told the court that David Haye did not hurt Nickesh. However, he was left ‘shaken’ by it. 

The court heard that the comedy unfolded after Nickesh, his wife and cousin were moved to a row of seats behind David Haye. 

Nickesh Jhala went and spoke to the police two days after the alleged assault. David Haye reportedly jetted off to America a few days later. 

James Scobie, defending, told the court that David Haye didn’t put his hands around Nickesh’s throat. He further said that his client never threatened to kill Nickesh Jhala. 

James Scobie told the court that Mr Jhala and his cousin were talking about the careers of boxers such as David Haye, Amir Khan and Tony Bellew at the event. 

What Did David Haye Say?

David Haye. Photo/ The Guardian.

Speaking after the ruling, the former heavyweight champion said he was very happy and pleased with the judgement.

David Haye hopes he never comes back to court again.  

“I’m very happy, very pleased, I’m just thankful that venues have CCTV, as we had four witnesses saying things that weren’t shown on CCTV because if not, I would have been convicted of strangling someone, and that didn’t happen. I’m glad I don’t have to come back tomorrow. I move forward, now park this, and hope not to come back to court again.”