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Amy faces court 'after hitting dancer who asked for photo'
Justin Davenport6 Mar 2009
Amy Winehouse has been charged with common assault after allegedly punching a fan at a charity ball.
The singer is to appear in court this month in connection with claims that she hit a woman who had asked for a photo.
The alleged attack took place at the annual end-of-summer ball at Berkeley Square in September.
She is said to have lashed out with a punch, hitting dancer Sherene Flash in the arm and the cheek.
It is believed to be the first time that the singer has been charged with an offence.
In the past she has been arrested and investigated after a series of incidents including drugs and assault claims but police have always dropped the cases.
Winehouse, who recently returned from a two-month break in St Lucia, was performing at the £700-a-ticket event last year when the alleged assault took place.
Ms Flash, 30, is said to have asked the star for a photo. Winehouse is said to have agreed but, as the picture was being taken, she lashed out.
At the same ball, the singer is also alleged to have spat at Pippa Middleton, the sister of Prince William's girlfriend Kate, and headbutted the official photographer.
Winehouse is due to attend City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on 17 March, police confirmed.
A spokesman for the singer said: "Amy voluntarily attended a police station in London yesterday morning. She was questioned by appointment in relation to an accusation made after the Berkeley Ball last year."
Last night she was at an Oxjam gig at Selfridges where she smashed drinks on the floor and was described as "erratic".
Since her return from the Caribbean, the 25-year-old has moved into a new north London home.
Police attended Winehouse's new address this morning when a house alarm was activated. After checks it appeared that it was set off by accident.
The singer has been attempting to put drugs and drink behind her after returning from holiday. The Rehab singer is to take driving lessons as part of her efforts to lead a normal life.
A friend said: "Amy's looking for things to do to keep her away from the temptation of drink and drugs.
"Learning to drive is top of her list. She wants a cute vintage car to drive around her posh new neighbourhood.
"It's great news for her friends and family - she will have to avoid drink and drugs in order to get behind the wheel."
