Police drop charges against Ryan Phelan

Domestic violence charges against former Daily Edition presenter Ryan Phelan have been dropped by NSW Police.

Phelan had pleaded not guilty to assault claims alleged by former partner, Chelsea Franklin, after police attended their Frenchs Forest home in June.

Prosecutors told the court today they were withdrawing all charges, with Magistrate Michelle Goodwin formally dismissing the case. She also withdrew and dismissed an apprehended violence order that had been taken out against him by police.

Lawyer Claudette Chua of Cockburn & Co said, “We are thrilled yet not surprised by the news today. Mr. Phelan has always emphatically denied the allegation made against him. It was a matter of time before the truth came to light.”

Phelan was dropped by Seven in the final week of The Daily Edition after headlines surrounding the case emerged in the press, a week earlier than expected.

“Mr. Phelan is grateful to Police for their assistance in ensuring that justice has been achieved, however, the media attention due to his high profile has caused Mr Phelan an enormous amount of stress over the past few months, and his reputation and career have been severely tarnished by this false and damaging allegation,” Chua added.

Ryan Phelan added, “I have always taken a stand against domestic violence and find it abhorrent. These accusations were distressing and extremely damaging to me and my reputation. I would like to thank NSW Police for their thorough investigation into this matter.”

National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin