People News

Amy Winehouse not guilty

Jul 24, 2009, 13:35 GMT

British singer Amy Winehouse (C) 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 September 25th. The star was found not guilty on all the charges. EPA/ANDY RAIN

Amy Winehouse has been found not guilty of assaulting dancer Sherene Flash.

The 'Back to Black' singer - who was accused of punching Sherene, 30, "forcefully" in the eye at a charity ball, in London, last September -blew kisses at fans and photographers as she left the City of Westminster Magistrates' Court today (24.07.09) with her father Mitch.

A spokesman for the 25-year-old singer said: "Amy would like to thank her family, friends and legal team for their support during this difficult time. She's always maintained her innocence and is very happy to move on with her life and put the episode behind her."

Yesterday (23.07.09), Amy told the courtroom she had only pushed Sherene away from her at the Berkeley Square Ball because she felt "intimidated" after the burlesque dancer "lunged" at her for a photograph.

Amy's lawyer Patrick Gibbs insisted the star should not have been made to face trial at all because several witnesses had told police she had not punched Sherene.

He said: "The main injury here was probably to Miss Flash's pride. Maybe she had been made to look silly in front of friends and colleagues."

The 'Rehab' singer missed her grandmother's funeral yesterday while she was in the dock.

However, Amy did join friends and family to remember her grandmother Esther after her court appearance.

Esther - who was 86 when she died - had been suffering from Alzheimer's Disease for the past year.

Amy's grieving mother Janis said: "The family enjoys a close bond, and Amy is very much at the centre of it. She couldn't interrupt the court case, but was determined to be with me and her relatives at the first opportunity."