Meghan Markle’s future sister-in-law found not guilty of punching fiance Thomas Markle Jr in the face during boozy row

MEGHAN Markle’s future sister-in-law was found not guilty of domestic violence following her arrest for allegedly punching the Duchess’s brother in the face during a boozy row.

Darlene Blount, 38, had faced a jail term after she was charged with two counts of assault after a bust up with fiance Thomas Markle Jr, 53, last July.

But she was found not guilty of both charges by a jury following a nine-hour trial on Wednesday.

Meghan’s half brother Thomas Jr was called on to testify at the trial on Wednesday at Josephine County Court, Oregon, after being subpoenaed.

Mum-of-one Darlene was picked up by cops in the early hours of the morning following the altercation at the home the couple shared in Grants Pass, Oregon.

She spent the night in jail and was released on bail the following day.

Speaking after the trial, Thomas Jr told Sun Online: “Darlene was found not guilty on both charges – we are both really happy with the verdict.

“This has been causing a lot of turmoil, upset and stress in our lives so we are happy it’s over.

“The incident stemmed from some personal issues and just too much drinking, too much alcohol.

“There has been lot of heavy drinking from both of us – you know I got the DUI earlier this year too.

“We try to live a normal life, but our relationship is hard because we are in the spotlight all the time – it’s just so damn stressful.

“We are under a lot of pressure but we just want to put this behind us now and move forward with our lives and be happy.

“We’ve had our problems and our ups and downs but this time we really want to live a nice, normal life.”

Police documents from the incident had alleged that Tom Jr suffered an injury to his right eye during the scuffle.

Court documents added: “The defendant, on or about July 19, 2018, in Josephine County, Oregon, did unlawfully and knowingly cause physical injury to Thomas Markle.

“The state further alleges the foregoing crime constitutes domestic violence.”

She spent the night in a Josephine County Jail cell and was released on bail the following day.

Th couple, who have been together over two years, have had a rollercoaster relationship – with Darlene also being arrested last January on assault charges following another boozy fight with the Duchess’ brother.

At the time, she called 911 and told the operator that Thomas Jr was being “really f****** weird” and had been beating himself up.

However, according to an arrest report, cops said they found Thomas Jr “black and blue” with “blood pouring” from an injury.

He told them Darlene had attacked him and she was arrest on suspicion of assault.

However, Thomas Jr later admitted his injuries were self-inflicted and no charges were brought against Darlene.

Thomas Jr was arrested in July 2017 for brandishing a gun at Darlene during a row – although charges were dropped the following month.

The window-fitter was also arrested in January for drink driving – but Thomas Jr says he and Darlene are now determined to stay out of trouble.

It comes two days after Thomas Jr congratulated his sister Meghan on the birth of new baby Archie – and spoke about how he would love to meet his new nephew.

In an interview with Sun Online he said: “Hopefully this baby will help mend the family rift – we’d all love to meet the baby and become a part of his life – especially my dad.

“I’m hoping that becoming a mother will open up her eyes and shed light on what family means.”