Amy Winehouse beats the charges

Jul 24, 2009, 9:48 GMT

British singer Amy Winehouse arrives at City of Westminster Magistrates\' Court in London, Britain, 24 July 2009. Singer Winehouse appeared infron of the court over an alleged altercation involving a fan last year. The Back to Black singer, who recently returned to the Britain following an extended stay in St Lucia, appeared in court in March 2009 to deny striking Sherene Flash in September 2008. It was alleged Winehouse punched Ms Flash, a 30-year-old dancer, in the arm and cheek after singing at the End of Summer Ball for the Prince\'s Trust on 25 September 2009. The star was found not guilty on all the charges. EPA/ANDY RAIN

Amy Winehouse was in court yesterday (24.07.09) over allegations she "punched" a dancer "forcefully".

The 'Rehab' singer is accused of attacking Sherene Flash at a charity ball last September when the 30-year-old woman tried to get her photograph taken with Amy.

Speaking at the City of London Magistrates' Court, Sherene said: "She punched me forcefully in my right eye. I started crying. I was shocked. I couldn't open my eye for a while."

She also claims the 25-year-old singer was intoxicated at the Berkeley Square Ball, adding: "Maybe like she was on drugs or something."

However, Amy - who is on trial for common assault - insists she merely pushed the woman away because she felt "intimidated" when Sherene "lunged" at her for a photograph.

The troubled star said: "She moved her left arm to lean down and tried to pose next to me. Her friend came round in front of us and started taking a picture. I was like, 'Do I get a choice in this, hello?' I pushed her up, like away. It was more like an indication of 'leave me alone, I'm scared of you.'

"I didn't know what she was going to do. She lunged at me and put her arm around me. She's a nice girl, she was just drunk."

Amy - who wore an asymmetric grey suit, waist belt and silk ballet pumps for her appearance - told the courtroom she felt threatened by the dancer, because, at 5ft 7ins tall, she towered above her diminutive frame.

The 'Back to Black' singer said: "These are the very shoes I was wearing that night. Look - these don't even have a sole, they don't have a heel. I am probably 5ft 2.5ins to 5ft 3ins. And my hair does make a difference!

"She was bigger than me. I pushed my arm upwards. I just wanted to get her away. I was scared."

Amy used her marital name - Amy Civil - yesterday when giving evidence. The first stage of her divorce from husband Blake Fielder-Civil was granted last week.

The trial continues.