Paralysed Stuntman Eddie Kidd’s Wife Samantha Denies Abuse Charges

Samantha Kidd, the estranged wife of former James Bond stuntman Eddie Kidd, has pleaded not guilty to charges of domestic abuse.

She appeared in court today charged with beating her paralysed husband.

The 44-year-old from Seaford, East Sussex, appeared at Brighton magistrates court charged with six counts of assault by beating.

The attacks took place between July and October of this year and the abuse allegations were made on 11 December.

Following a "prompt and thorough investigation", the unemployed former Grange Hill actress was arrested and charged on 19 December.

Eddie Kidd, 53, was paralysed in 1996 following a routine jump. He broke his neck and pelvis, suffered from brain damage and was in a coma for three months.

He has been confined to a wheelchair ever since.

Before the accident, he broke a world record by jumping 190ft over 14 double-decker busses. He also jumped over the Great Wall of China and appeared in the James Bond film Goldeneye.

He married Samantha in 2007, 23 years after they first met. Following her arrest, she was bailed with strict conditions not to contact her husband.

A police spokesperson said: "Sussex Police takes all allegations of domestic abuse seriously and encourages people to have the confidence to report, whether those who are being afflicted or others who have concerns.

"We will work with partners to provide support and always seek the best solution for victims, bringing appropriate offences to court."

Police said Samantha was also arrested on 11 December over allegations of theft and fraud.