A DRAGON’S Den winner knocked his pregnant girlfriend unconscious after punching her in the face, a court has heard.
Ross Mendham, 40, won a £60,000 investment on the BBC show after the Dragons took a liking to his noodle and pasta business in 2013.
But he is now accused of punching his partner, who was 32 weeks pregnant at the time, in the face on December 2 last year.
Mendham, of Cringleford, Norfolk, denied assault causing actual bodily harm as he appeared at Norwich Crown Court via video link from prison today.
He spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea during a short hearing today.
The businessman was remanded in custody to appear at the same court for trial on June 5 later this year.
Mendham, who has tattoos on his face and neck and wore a sandy-coloured jumper for his court appearance, is the son of former Norwich City footballer Peter Mendham.
The ex-bodybuilder received an investment from Peter Jones for his Bare Naked Foods business – which makes low calorie and low carbohydrate pasta, rice and noodles from konjac plants.
His products have been on the shelves of several supermarkets including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons.
Mendham also launched a fashion brand called God of Design (GOD) that upcycles vintage and designer clothing in 2022.
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, 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 – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
