Bodybuilder denies assaulting his Face of 2010 lover

May 13 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A CHAMPION bodybuilder appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week accused of assaulting his girlfriend – Face of 2010 finalist Gemma Gray.

Jose Luis Nascimento Moreira – known as Luis – pleaded not guilty to assaulting Gemma near Capo’s Hotel in Old Edinburgh Road, Viewpark, on November 29, last year.

The 32-year-old is alleged to have assaulted her by seizing her face with his hands.

Moreira – who is Portuguese – also denies committing a breach of the peace at his girlfriend’s home in Almond Vale, Uddingston, by acting in a disorderly manner, shouting, swearing and repeatedly knocking on the door on the same date.

He also pleaded not guilty to a charge of struggling violently with police constables Stuart Lipsett, Ian Philip, James Gilmour and Sean Hendry in an attempt to resist arrest at Motherwell Police Office.

During evidence at the trial last week, the court was told how it took four officers to restrain the 16-stone accused during the alleged incident at the police office.

Witnesses also stated that Moreira sustained an injury after he headbutted the wall in his cell.

He is alleged to have assaulted Gemma – a 23-year-old fitness manager – while the pair were at the Viewpark hotel after a party.

It was claimed during the trial before Sheriff David Bicket that the accused assaulted the model by shoving his thumbs into her eyes for around 15 seconds.

The court was then told that the bodybuilder later showed up at his girlfriend’s home and demanded to see her, repeatedly banging on the front door.

Gemma’s mother Jean Gray told the court that her daughter’s eyes appeared red when she appeared at her house that night, but she did not require any medical assistance.

A police surgeon who later examined the accused also explained that he appeared to under the influence of alcohol.

Gemma Gray reached the final 15 of the Advertiser’s face of 2010 competition in December last year, attending the event held at the Parkville in Blantyre with Moreira.

However, the 23-year-old was not picked for the final three by judges.

Moreira, who lives in Clydebank, often advertises his bodybuilding talents for hen parties and as a personal trainer.

At court last week, Sheriff David Bicket adjourned the trial until May 19 to allow time for further evidence to be led.

Bail was continued in the meantime.