Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ben Cohen: Rugby player set to testify against his mother-in-law in 'harassment trial'

The case against his estranged wife's mother has been adjourned until August

Helen Nianias
Wednesday 18 March 2015 13:06 GMT
(Steve Meddle/Rex Features)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ben Cohen is set to give evidence against his mother-in-law, Felicity Bassouls, who has been accused of harassing him with constant phonecalls and emails.

Cohen split from Bassouls' daughter Abby last September after 11 years together, and the alleged barrage of communication is said to have happened in the aftermath of the separation.

Today Bassouls arrived at Northampton Magistrates Court on two counts of harassment without violence against Cohen and her son Austen Blaney between 1 September and 29 October 2014.

The break-up linked in the tabloid media to Kristina Rihanoff, his partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, but the pair strongly deny they had a relationship. Cohen has twin girls with his estranged wife.

Bassouls has spoken against Cohen in the past, calling him "disrespectful".

The trial will begin on 12 August.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in