Flack denies attacking boyfriend with lamp after finding messages
LOVE ISLAND presenter Caroline Flack has denied assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton in an incident that left them both covered in blood in scenes likened to a “horror movie”.
Flack, 40, who has stepped down as host of the upcoming winter series of the ITV2 dating show, is alleged to have hit Burton, 27, over the head with a lamp on December 12, causing a serious head injury.
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 former professional tennis player and model Burton does not support the prosecution and insists he is not a victim, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court was told.
Flack put her head in her hands as she was released on bail
with conditions that stop her having any contact with Burton ahead of a trial on March 4.
Paul Morris, defending, 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.”
Flack was mobbed by photographers as she arrived at court yesterday before being escorted into the building by police. Burton arrived at court separately, and watched proceedings from the packed public gallery.
He has previously spoken out in support of the presenter, claiming she has become the subject of a “witch hunt” following her arrest. Flack stood in front of the glass-enclosed dock to confirm her name, address, date of birth and that her nationality is British before the single charge was read out in court.
Her lawyer, Paul Morris, interrupted proceedings to tell District Judge Julia Newton that Burton does not support the prosecution.
The court heard Flack was charged with assault by beating after police were called to her flat in Islington, north London, on December 12. TV presenter Laura Whitmore will take over her hosting duties on Love Island.