An international businesswoman, former adult entertainment creator and notable ex-partner of a one-time prime ministerial hopeful has been released from custody after her airport arrest.

Nathalie May Matthews, 38, was granted bail on Monday, a day after being arrested on an outstanding warrant after arriving back in Sydney from Dubai.

She was charged with accessing or modifying restricted data and intentionally recording and distributing an intimate image without consent.

“She was distraught, of course,” her lawyer Daniel Wakim said outside Parramatta Local Court.

“It was pretty dramatic I think – for the level of seriousness of this matter – not to suggest these types of offences aren’t serious.

“I don’t think she would have seen it coming and even if she did there’s nothing that she’s hiding, so we would have very much welcomed to liaise with police.”

The charges follow a legal saga that began in July, when Matthews alleged a “sustained pattern” of abuse and manipulation against former partner Mark Latham.

The former federal Labor leader, who is now an independent in the NSW upper house, rejects her allegations.

Matthews has made a private application for an apprehended violence order against Latham in a case scheduled to return to court on Wednesday.

Wakim requested she be granted bail to face court on the criminal charges on the same day. Prosecutors did not oppose her release.

Matthews appeared via video link from custody, speaking only to confirm her name and that she understood her bail conditions.

Her passport has been surrendered and she has been prohibited from applying for a new one. She is also barred from contacting any prosecution witnesses unless through a lawyer.

Matthews, the managing director of a global logistics firm and a former OnlyFans creator, walked out of Surry Hills police station early on Monday afternoon.

As well as disputing Matthews’ AVO application, Latham has threatened legal action against the Australian Turf Club after being escorted out of the members’ area at Royal Randwick racecourse on Saturday.

He also faces allegations of vilification and workplace harassment from parliamentary colleague Alex Greenwich.

Latham was previously ordered to pay the Sydney MP $140,000 in damages following a defamation case over a sexually explicit and homophobic social media post.

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-AAP