For such a public man, it was supposed to be an intensely private affair. But outspoken Councillor Rob Ford handled his court case Wednesday the same way he takes on just about everything else -no holds barred.

The maverick politician walked out of court with a huge weight off his shoulders and a big smile on his face, after the Crown withdrew charges of domestic assault and uttering a death threat. They'd been laid after he had a huge fight with his wife in March.

The specifics of what happened between the pair have never been completely detailed, but Ford was ecstatic as he left the Finch Ave. West courthouse just before 2:30pm.

"I'm exonerated," he beamed. "I'm not guilty and I'm just glad this is over. I'm glad to be back with my family. I'd like to thank my family, my friends, the taxpayers of the city for sticking with me through this whole process. Justice has been served."

Ford admits he and his spouse have been in marriage counselling for the past "few weeks" and it's helping.

"Everything's going great," he claims. "And you know we all have problems behind closed doors, but mine are a little bit more exposed than everyone else's. But I'm just happy to be home, my family together, and let's move forward."

He's now back with his wife and living at the family's home. He insists his wife would have been there herself during the court session to demonstrate their reconciliation, but she was stuck at her home with the flu.