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Amy Winehouse's ‘drunk punch’ at charity ball
Mark Blunden23 Jul 2009
Singer Amy Winehouse reacted with “deliberate and unjustifiable violence” when a dancer politely asked her for a photograph at a charity ball, a court heard today.
The star is accused of assault after allegedly punching Sherene Flash while “under the influence of drink or some other substance” at the event last September, the court heard.
Winehouse arrived at City of Westminster magistrates' court wearing a grey pin-striped mini-skirt suit and sat in the dock intently taking notes.
Her father Mitch watched from the public gallery with her security entourage. She asked to be known as Miss Civil during the two-day trial despite her recent divorce from Blake Fielder-Civil.
The alleged attack happened just after midnight as Miss Winehouse was backstage after the concert, the court heard. Miss Flash was with her friend Kieran Connolly, a fellow dancer.
Prosecutor Lyall Thompson told district judge Timothy Workman: “They saw Miss Winehouse standing in the doorway of her dressing-room. Miss Flash asked politely if she could take a photograph. Miss Winehouse appeared somewhat reluctant but agreed to the request.”
The court heard Miss Flash didn't want to be in the picture but encouraged Mr Connolly to be in it.
Mr Thompson said “it would be fair to say” that Winehouse was under the influence of alcohol or possibly some other substance.
Winehouse was ushered away and the police were called. Later that day Miss Flash saw her GP who found she had some swelling to her right eyelid.
Winehouse told police that she wanted to see some friends off and she would come back later to pose for a picture with Miss Flash. She claims she only pushed Miss Flash away.
But Mr Thompson said: “There was nothing accidental about Miss Civil's action. She was reacting badly to a polite request. On this occasion Amy Winehouse reacted with deliberate and unjustifiable violence.”
Miss Flash admitted drinking three glasses of champagne and a small amount of wine, saying she was tipsy but not drunk.
She said Winehouse's reaction was “delayed”. She said: “She looked drunk and maybe like she was on drugs or something. Not in a good state.”
Miss Flash added: “She punched me forcefully in my right eye with her right fist. I started crying, I was shocked.”
The trial continues.
