As [WAYNE Cooper] went into Sydney’s Waverley Local Court yesterday, he said, holding back tears: “I love my wife and … I miss (her) very much, and I just want to clear this matter up as soon as possible.”

Except for the massive media attention and the fact that he could afford a lawyer, Cooper’s case was just another in a long string of apprehended violence order matters heard by magistrate Chris Longley in Waverley’s court one yesterday.

At the end of yesterday’s proceedings, a grim-faced Cooper, dressed all in black, was silent as he waded through the media pack outside the court, climbed into a late-model Mercedes and sped off with a blonde woman at the wheel.

WAYNE Cooper, one of Australia’s leading fashion designers, appeared sad and distressed yesterday as he fronted court to face charges of assaulting his defacto wife.

Cooper, 44, is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, and intimidation of Sarah Marsh, his long-term partner.

He is also fighting an interim apprehended violence order, under which he must not approach, assault or molest Ms Marsh, 40.

As Cooper went into Sydney’s Waverley Local Court yesterday, he said, holding back tears: “I love my wife and … I miss (her) very much, and I just want to clear this matter up as soon as possible.”

Cooper pleaded not guilty to the charges, which he has previously described as “ridiculous”.

The couple, who are darlings of the Sydney social set, have long been known for their volatile relationship.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred on Friday, June 19, at their home in the Sydney beachside suburb of Tamarama. Cooper was arrested at the house the next morning, and forced to pack his bags under police supervision.

The conditions of Cooper’s bail order him not to approach the house except in the company of police.

Except for the massive media attention and the fact that he could afford a lawyer, Cooper’s case was just another in a long string of apprehended violence order matters heard by magistrate Chris Longley in Waverley’s court one yesterday.

It was a brutal comedown for the English immigrant, who has long been a favourite of Australian Fashion Week, known for his flamboyant high-profile shows and his glamorous women’s clothing.

Cooper’s lawyer, Alex Morris, argued that the names of his client and the alleged victim should be suppressed.

However, Mr Longley suggested that he, like everyone else, read the newspapers and listened to the radio, and was well aware of who Cooper was and the substantial media reporting that had surrounded the case to date.

“Has not the horse bolted?” he asked.

Lawyers acting for the Nine and Seven networks and Nationwide News, publisher of The Australian, argued against the suppression orders.

The scenario was a twist in Cooper’s career, as he has never been shy of courting controversy and has always used the media to promote his brand.

At the end of yesterday’s proceedings, a grim-faced Cooper, dressed all in black, was silent as he waded through the media pack outside the court, climbed into a late-model Mercedes and sped off with a blonde woman at the wheel.

Mr Longley adjourned the case until August 7, and the bail was continued.

Credit: John Stapleton