Flack and lover left ‘covered in blood like horror movie’
TV presenter Caroline Flack yesterday denied assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton in an incident that left them both covered in blood in scenes police likened to a “horror movie”.
Flack, 40, who has stepped down as host of the winter series of Love Island, is alleged to have hit Burton, 27, over the head with a lamp, causing a serious head injury, a court heard.
The prosecution said Mr Burton told a 999 call handler “she tried to kill me” and “almost begged the operator for help” in a three-minute call.
A court heard the alleged attack is said to have occurred after Flack found texts on her boyfriend’s phone while he was asleep, leading her to believe he was cheating.
But the former professional tennis player and model does not support the prosecution and insists he is not a victim, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court was told.
Smashed
The pair, who are still in a relationship, are banned from seeing each other until her next court appearance on March 4.
Flack was charged with assaulting Burton at her flat in Islington, north London, on December 12.
She arrived at court wearing a black coat, scarf and boots before being escorted into the building by police.
The star stood in the glass-enclosed dock to confirm her name, address, date of birth and her nationality before the single charge was read out in court.
Her lawyer Paul Morris interrupted proceedings to tell District Judge Julia Newton that Mr Burton does not support the prosecution.
“He is not a victim, he is a witness,” he said. “He would not suggest that the injuries are significant in the way the prosecution submit.”
But prosecutor Katie Weiss said: “He is a victim. He sustained a significant injury to his head.”
She said the trial would use bodyworn footage from the police officers at the scene and a 999 call.
When the charge of assault by beating was put to Flack for a second time, she answered: “Not guilty.” In reference to
Mr Burton’s 999 call, Ms Weiss said: “He is almost begging the operator to send help. Both were covered in blood and in fact, one of the police officers likened the scene to a horror movie.
“He [Burton] said he had been asleep and was hit over the head by Caroline with a lamp, causing a visible cut to his head. She had also smashed a glass and she had sustained an injury.
“Mr Burton said he believed the assault occurred as a result of the defendant taking his phone while he was sleeping. She had seen text messages leading her to believe that he was cheating on her.”
Ms Weiss then discussed the contents of Mr Burton’s 999 call. She said: “He made an allegation regarding his girlfriend Caroline. She calls him an a ******* repeatedly.” Ms Weiss said Mr
Burton told the operator: “I’ve just woken up, she has cracked my head open. She tried to kill me, mate.”
Mr Burton arrived at court separately, wearing a navy parka jacket and watched the proceedings from the packed public gallery. He has spoken in support of the presenter, claiming she has become the subject of a “witch hunt” following her arrest.
Flack’s solicitor made an application to have a bail condition banning her from talking to her boyfriend lifted.
Mr Morris said: “They had been in a relationship all of this year and he appears in court today to support her and they remain a couple
“She wants to spend time with her partner. It’s Christmas, it’s New Year, she’s suffered enough.
“She is in the public eye – this case has been scrutinised, she will conduct herself properly,” he added.
Weeping Flack put her head in her hands as she was released on bail but told not to have contact with Mr Burton before March 4.