Gibson's Ex-wife Robyn Lends Support To Back Custody Claim

The Braveheart star is currently fighting Grigorieva's bid to strip him of custody rights to their baby daughter Lucia amid allegations he hit the singer while she was holding the tot - and knocked her teeth out.

Lawyers for both parties appeared in a Los Angeles court on Thursday morning (15Jul10) to argue their case, while detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Special Victims Bureau also turned up to investigate claims of child abuse and endangerment.

Gibson has denied assaulting the Russian star and his defence was bolstered by a sworn declaration submitted to the court by the actor/director's ex-wife Robyn, who filed for divorce last year (09) after three years of separation.

In the legal note, obtained by TMZ.com, she writes, "Mel never engaged in any physical abuse of any kind toward me before, during or after our marriage."

And she had nothing but praise for Gibson's qualities as a dad during their 28 years of marriage. She adds, "Mel was a wonderful and loving father."

Robyn's declaration could prove vital to Gibson's legal troubles - the testimony is also expected to be submitted to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department as part of a police investigation into allegations of domestic violence against the actor.