Just hours after Portugal disappointing exit from the World Cup, teenage sensation Luke Littler is facing a personal crisis after his girlfriend, Faith Millar, filed an assault charge against him.
The 19-year-old, who captured the hearts of the nation during his run to the World Championship final, was served with court papers on Monday. The alleged incident is understood to have occurred shortly after England’s quarter-final elimination in Frankfurt, a tournament the “Nuke” had entered with high hopes.
Millar, 21, has been a constant presence at Littler’s side throughout his meteoric rise, often seen celebrating his victories on the oche. However, sources indicate that a heated argument in their Warrington home escalated following the couple’s return from Germany.
A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that a charge of common assault has been authorized. “We can confirm that Faith Millar has initiated a private prosecution, and a summons has been issued for Luke Littler to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court,” the statement read.
Littler’s legal team released a brief statement, vehemently denying the allegations. “Luke maintains his innocence and is fully cooperating with the legal process. He asks for privacy for his family at this time as he prepares his defense,” it said.
The news sends shockwaves through the darts world, where Littler has been heralded as the sport’s next global superstar. His management team, PDC, declined to comment on the “private legal matter,” but confirmed that Littler has withdrawn from this week’s Players Championship events to “focus on his wellbeing.”
Friends of the couple expressed disbelief, describing them as “inseparable.” However, the court will now decide the truth behind what appears to be a dramatic fall from grace for one of Britain’s most beloved young athletes.
Littler is scheduled to appear in court on July 21st. If found guilty, he could face a fine, a community order, or, in a worst-case scenario, a criminal record that could jeopardize his visa status for future international tournaments.