The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Love Island TV presenter denies charge of assault
Court told boyfriend is witness, not victim, and does not support prosecution
Love Island presenter Caroline Flack has denied assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton in an incident said to have 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, 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 was released on bail with conditions that stop her having any contact with Mr 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.”
Mr Burton, who arrived at court separately, 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 glassenclosed 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 Mr Burton does not support the prosecution.
“He is not a victim, he is a witness,” Mr Morris said.
When the charge was put to Flack for a second time, she answered: “Not guilty.”
But prosecutor Katie Weiss said of Burton: “He is a victim – he sustained a significant injury to his head.”
The court heard Flack was arrested and charged with assault by beating after police were called to her flat in Islington, north London, on December 12.
In reference to Mr Burton’s 999 call, Ms Weiss said: “He is almost begging the operator to send help.”
She continued: “Both were covered in blood and in fact one of the police officers likened the scene to a horror movie.”
Irish TV presenter Laura Whitmore will take over hosting duties on Love Island and its companion show Aftersun when filming begins in South Africa next month.