Australian boxer Harry Garside reveals shocking reason why domestic violence charges were 'the best thing that ever happened to him'

Harry Garside has revealed the surprising reason why his arrest and false accusation of domestic violence was the “best thing that ever happened to him”.

The 27-year-old Australian boxing champion was arrested at Sydney Airport last year as he returned home after appearing on 'I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!' in South Africa.

He was accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Ash Ruscoe, which he strongly denied. Police later dropped the charges after his lawyers presented video evidence that they said showed his ex was the alleged attacker.

Garside has now reflected on the ordeal of the court case on the Jess Rowe Big Talk Show and revealed why he is now grateful for the turbulent times.

“The way it happened and what I was accused of was just so difficult. When I look back now, I realize that it was the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said.

“It was exactly the time in my life when I actually had to stand up for myself, become my own friend and take care of myself.”

He added that at a particularly bad point during the ordeal, he began gathering “evidence” of why he was a good person, which boosted his morale considerably.

“That was kind of a turning point where I thought: I have to change this story, this belief. I have to stop collecting evidence that I'm a terrible person,” he continued.

Harry Garside has revealed the surprising reason why being arrested and falsely accused of domestic violence was the ‘best thing that ever happened to him’

Last year he was accused of attacking his ex Ash Ruscoe and police later dropped the charges after his legal team presented video evidence which he said showed his ex was the alleged attacker.

“I started gathering evidence that I am a good person, and I am. I am doing my best. If a friend called me now, I would do my best to help them as best I could.”

Garside said he would never have felt compelled to do so if he had not gone through this difficult ordeal, which helped him become a better person.

In May last year, Garside was acquitted of assault charges following an investigation into alleged domestic violence between him and his former partner Ash.

One month after his first arrest, all charges against him were dropped.

Garside had returned to Australia after filming the reality TV show “I'm a Celebrity!” in South Africa, but was arrested in dramatic scenes at Sydney International Airport just minutes after landing.

On March 25, the same day Garside originally left for the show without communicating with the outside world until his exit, Ruscoe contacted police and expressed fear for her safety.

“I strongly deny the allegations of violence and dispute the account given to the police,” Garside said at the time.

The following month, the charges against the Olympic boxer were rehabilitated and the arrest warrant for the use of violence was officially withdrawn.