20/01/2010

Amy Admits Assault

Singer Amy Winehouse has pleaded guilty to assaulting a theatre manager during a pantomime performance last month.

Ms Winehouse appeared at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court today charged with assaulting 27-year-old Richard Pound at Milton Keynes Theatre in Buckinghamshire.

The 'Rehab' singer, 26, pleaded guilty to common assault and disorder and was ordered to pay £85 in costs and received a two year conditional discharge.

She must also pay £100 in damages to front-of-house manager Mr Pound.

Ms Winehouse caused disruption to the Cinderella performance, later moving from her seat in the stalls to a box.

During the second part of the show Ms Winehouse went to the bar - having already consumed five vodkas a cokes.

She asked Mr Pound for a double vodka. He responded by suggesting she should have a glass of water instead.

"Miss Civil (Winehouse's married name) said she felt embarrassed and patronised and, with no premeditation, grabbed his hair and pulled," said Julian Vickery, prosecutor.

The court heard Ms Winehouse had no previous convictions and two cautions.

District judge Peter Crabtree told her that "Mr Pound is a person whose job involves interaction with the public... (who) deserves the court's protection".

"It was a reaction, an over-reaction. Clearly there was no injury," he said.

The judge referred to Ms Winehouse's medical report, saying: "You clearly have taken effort from this report to address your alcohol problems and any other problems you may have, so you get credit for that."

But he warned her: "If you commit another offence you'll be hit hard and you'll be hit twice."

(PR/BMcC)

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