Caroline Flack pleads not guilty to assault of boyfriend Lewis Burton ahead of trial in March
23 December 2019, 12:22 | Updated: 15 February 2020, 18:07
The Love Island star has pleaded not guilty to assaulting her boyfriend.
Caroline Flack has pleaded not guilty to common assault after she was arrested following a row with boyfriend Lewis Burton last week.
The former Love Island host arrived at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Monday morning, with former tennis player Lewis, 27, also in attendance.
As 40-year-old Caroline made her way into court, she’s said to have burst into tears, before breaking down once more while sat in the dock of the court.
According to Daily Mail, prosecutor Katie Weiss told the court a police officer likened the scene to a “horror movie”, saying: "Lewis received significant injury to his head.”
She told District Judge Newton: “At 5.25am on the 12 December he (Lewis Burton) made an allegation against his girlfriend Caroline Flack.
“Police then made their way to the address. Police then knocked on the door eight minutes later and it was opened by both of them. Both were covered in blood."
However, defence lawyer Paul Morris stated that Lewis “was not a victim of assault” and “didn’t support the prosecution.”
He said: “Mr Burton has never supported this prosecution. He is not the victim, as he would say, he was a witness.”
Adding: “He would not suggest that the injuries are significant in the way the prosecution submit.”
The former Love Island host's solicitor said: “She is in the public eye - this case has been scrutinised, she will conduct herself properly.”
Caroline was released on conditional bail before her trial on March 4.
Following her court appearance, the star took to Instagram with a message which reads: "Thankfully I know a lot of you will not believe all that you read following today's court hearing...
"Thank you for your continued support and love... It's going to be a relief when I am able to give my side of the story, when I'm allowed to."
Caroline was charged with assaulting the former professional tennis player at her flat in Islington, north London, on 12 December.
Police confirmed her arrest in a statement, saying: “Caroline Flack of Islington was charged on Friday, 13 December with assault by beating.
“She will appear on bail at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 December.
“This follows an incident at approximately 05:25hrs on Thursday, 12 December after reports of a man assaulted. He was not seriously injured.”
Hours before her hearing, Caroline took to Instagram with an emotional Instagram post, telling her followers: "This is the worst time of my life.
"I don't know where to go to. Where to look. Who to trust. Or who I even am."
Last week, the host announced she would be stepping down from her role as presenter of Winter Love Island, with Laura Whitmore taking her place.
