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Tarrant blames drunken row for arrest over ‘assault’ on girlfriend
Anna Davis16 Mar 2009
TELEVISION quiz show host Chris Tarrant has laughed off the suggestion that he assaulted his girlfriend at his home.
The 62-year-old Who Wants To Be A Millionaire presenter spent time in police custody after being arrested when officers were called to his home in Esher, Surrey.
Today he admitted he had been involved in an argument with his 46-year-old girlfriend, Jane Bird, before police arrived.
“There is no story,” he said. “We had a row, it happens. It was about nothing in particular and absolutely nothing physical happened — it was as simple as that.”
Tarrant said he and Ms Bird had been to a Tina Turner concert at the O2 in Greenwich before getting into a shouting match — believed to have been overheard by neighbours — in the private drive of his home.
“We were both a bit tipsy,” he said. “We might have had a few bottles.”
Tarrant, who split from wife Ingrid in 2006 after an affair with teacher Fiona McKechnie, added that he did not know who reported the incident.
“I don't know who called the police,” he said. “I was there for about two hours and after that a very nice man drove me home in a private car.”
Tarrant then drove away from his property, saying he was going to meet Ms Bird. “I'm just about to pick her up and take her to lunch,” he said.
Surrey police said that they were called at 12.58am on Thursday, 5 March.
A police spokesman said: “We can confirm a man in his early sixties was arrested in the early hours following a domestic dispute on suspicion of common assault. He was released later without charge.”
Two years ago Tarrant was arrested at an Indian restaurant in Nottingham over allegations that he had injured a fellow diner, which he denied. He was cautioned but no charges were brought.
Reader views (4)
I am gobsmacked that someone would call the police just because they heard a row taking place. I'm even more amazed that the police found it necessary to arrest him! We are turning into a police state thanks to everyone who has been hoodwinked into believing in state security.
- Neil M., london uk,, 17/03/2009 10:11
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He could be arrested to prevent a further Breach of The Peace happening. That just about covers anything.
- Keithw, Mersyside England, 16/03/2009 21:39
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Oh yes they can. It is now common practice for a man to be arrested if he is reported for domestic violence...even if there's absolutely no evidence, and the woman does not want the man arrested. I am just reading a book called "Perverting the course of Justice". It really opens your eyes to the state of our crazy justice system. It also makes you feel very sorry for the police who have to deal with it day in day out.
- Bb, London, 16/03/2009 19:06
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On what grounds was Mr.Tarrant removed to a police station? Unless there was a complaint from his girlfriend the police definitely have no right to arrest him. Are a few heated words within earshot of the informers next door now enough to get you a spell in a cell?
- Mark, London, 16/03/2009 17:05
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