Petra Ecclestone accuses billionaire husband of being 'violent and abusive' in landmark divorce battle

Petra Ecclestone, left, and husband James Stunt arriving at court

Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone accused her billionaire husband of being “violent and abusive” in an explosive court hearing as they battled over a landmark divorce settlement.

The estranged couple’s bitter split was laid bare yesterday as they prepared for a High Court scrap over their estimated £5.5 billion shared fortune.

Ms Ecclestone, 28, claims gold bullion tycoon James Stunt, who she wed in 2011 in a lavish Italian castle wedding, took overdoses during their marriage, Central London Family Court heard.

Her barrister, David Williams QC, claimed Mr Stunt had been “violent and abusive” in the past and accused the businessman of “disgraceful behaviour” during yesterday’s court hearing.

Stunt, 35, allegedly made a gun gesture with his hand, slammed the table in frustration, and eventually stormed out of the courtroom.

James Stunt gestures as he leaves court in London
Bradley Page

Ms Ecclestone, who was supported by father Bernie and her family, later left the hearing in tears after the heated confrontation with her estranged husband.

Mr Stunt is also accused of calling Mr Ecclestone, the former Formula One supremo, a “c**t” under his breath during the hearing in front of Recorder Richard Anelay QC.

When the 86-year-old business magnate stood up, appearing to confront his son-in-law, the judge told him: “Please Mr Ecclestone, don’t respond. I know it’s tempting.”

Divorce battle: Petra Ecclestone and James Stunt
Getty Images

He also urged the warring parties to avoid further confrontation when they left court.

The judge said Mr Stunt “admits most of the abusive conduct and says it’s regrettable” and had made admissions about overdoses and violence during the six year marriage.

James Stunt, centre, arrives at court with his legal team
Mark Large

Yesterday’s hearing was called by Ms Ecclestone’s lawyers, as they tried to force Mr Stunt to leave a £100 million Grade II-listed home in Chelsea so she can live there with their three children.

The pair will face off again in the High Court next month, in a battle that could end in one the biggest ever celebrity divorce settlements.

A £158 million mansion in Los Angeles and the 16-bedroom home in Chelsea could be among the disputed assets.

The court heard Mr Stunt signed a pre-nuptial agreement worth £16 million, and has assets including a £15 million wine collection and two £4 million properties in Chelsea.

Ms Ecclestone’s legal team includes star divorce lawyer Baroness Fiona Shackleton, who counts Sir Paul McCartney and Liam Gallagher among her past clients.

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