KATIE Price has told friends she “cannot face” a court appearance — meaning the case against her alleged attacker could be dropped.
The TV celeb said she was the victim of a physical assault in the early hours of Monday at a house in Essex.
Katie, 43, does not want to retract what she told cops but believes she is “too mentally fragile” to be quizzed.
A man in his 30s has been bailed after being arrested on suspicion of assault, theft and coercive and controlling behaviour following an alleged altercation.
But tonight friends of Katie said she believed going to court for another high-profile hearing would risk her mental health.
A pal said: “This is a nightmare situation for Katie.
“She absolutely stands by her account of events of that night given to police, but upon reflection isn’t sure she’s mentally strong enough to go through yet another court appearance.
“She doesn’t want to be dragged through the mill, and her private life scrutinised by all and sundry. Katie doesn’t see any other way out.”
It means the case against the mum of five’s alleged attacker could be dropped within days.
A police spokesman said: “We have a duty of care to gather all evidence relating to this case and our inquiries continue.”
A source close to the probe said investigators will be engaging with Katie in the coming days.
- Visit our Katie Price page for the latest updates
Her boyfriend Carl Woods has been seen for the first time since it was revealed she was the victim of an alleged unprovoked 1.30am attack at a house in Essex.
She was taken to hospital on Monday. Katie told The Sun she was punched in the face and ran.
Former Love Island star Carl was seen walking the couple’s dog in Essex on Tuesday, after it was claimed that the £50,000 engagement ring he gave her had also been taken during the assault.
She doesn’t want to be dragged through the mill, and her private life scrutinised by all and sundry.
Meanwhile, Katie has vowed to continue with work plans despite the turmoil in her life.
She has been through a string of courtroom dramas.
Last year she was ordered to pay £25,000 in damages to her ex-husband Alex Reid after leaking details of their sex life.
Katie has been banned from driving six times — and three years ago she was caught driving while disqualified.
Last year she was warned that she could face prison if she did not turn up to court for a bankruptcy hearing.
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, where you call 999 and press ‘55’ if you can’t safely speak.
- Always keep some money or a bank card on you, including change in case you need a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to move towards an exit if you are inside the house and get your phone in case you need to call for help.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other potential weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available every day from 10am-6pm or email [email protected]
SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
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