Simon Alford, The Sunday Times
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Grammy-winning pop singer Amy Winehouse was today released from police custody with a caution after admitting she slapped a man on a night out.
The 24-year-old, who has amassed a £10m fortune according to the Sunday Times rich list released tomorrow, was held overnight at Holborn police station after arriving voluntarily yesterday afternoon following an assault allegation.
Officers had to wait to quiz her about the incident, believed to have taken place in Camden, north London, after a doctor ruled that she was 'unfit for interview'.
She was eventually questioned this morning and then slipped out a back door at the central London police station, avoiding a pack of reporters, photographers and camera crews.
Following her release a spokesman for the troubled star, whose 25-year-old husband Blake Fielder-Civil is in custody awaiting trial on charges of assault and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, said Winehouse had apologised for the incident.
A police spokesman said Winehouse had admitted to a common assault by slapping a man with an open hand and accepted a caution.
The spokesman said she was fully co-operative with inquiries and apologised for the incident.
No further action will be taken.
In February Winehouse won five Grammy's for her second album Back to Black and she has since been nominated for two prestigious Ivor Novello awards for her songs Love Is A Losing Game and You Know I'm No Good, both in the best song musically/lyrically category.
But her personal life has been dogged with problems and in August last year she was admitted to hospital after a reported drug overdose, followed by a number of stints in rehab.
Her husband, who has been in custody for several months, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday morning charged with causing grievous bodily harm and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. He will stand trial on June 2.
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Hope Amy's 'close personal friends' take adequate precautions. Illegal IV drug use puts her in a VERY dangerous category for catching / having caught HIV.
She never looks that clean either come to think of it.... why would anyone want to...oh well takes all sorts I suppose.
Ethan, UK, UK
And what punishment did she get for wasting police time by turning up nearly 3 hours late?
And did her minders get charged with obstruction for impeding members of the public entering the police station on legitimate business?
I hope that the person whom she assualted sues her.
Chris, Ashford, Middx, UK
People who say 'Poor Amy, she has problems...' do you also feel sorry for feral youths who drink, take drugs and then beat people to death 'for kicks' on our streets ? What is the difference between them and her apart from she's famous ? No wonder this country is in such a state!
Jo, Solihull, UK
Why was her apology accepted? By whom? and what for?
If it had been any "normal" person then its in front of the Magistrates. Imagine Amy WHinehouse ( sp) doing Community Service...theres a thought!
Steve Gleghorn, banbury, uk
Is life so meaningless or boring that we have to follow the antics of these yahoos? Winehouse and others of her ilk should be ignored
john e moore, Encinitas, usa/ca
I feel for Amy. Ok so I know there will be those who say she has a fortunate life and money and a talent, but that doesnt stop people having problems and Amy is a good example of that. its very difficult to break a cycle (as we all know re food/drink etc) & Amy has the same problem. I wish her luck
Steve Powell, Lydney, Gloucestershire, UK