Tulisa Contostavlos trial verdict postponed as judge calls for extra witnesses
The case will be resumed in July, a judge decides
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.No verdict will be reached today (23 May) over the trial of Tulisa Contostavlos, who is charged with assault after allegedly punching a celebrity blogger in the eye at V Festival in Essex last year.
The case will resume on 2 July.
District Judge Angus Hamilton has extended the trial, calling for more witnesses in order to obtain “the full picture on what has happened”. A court heard that there were between 10 to 15 people involved in the incident.
Blogger Savvas Morgan alleges that the singer drunkenly charged at him before punching him in the eye, which caused swelling. Prosecutor Matthew McNiff said that Contostavlos swore at the blogger and accused him of stalking her.
Morgan has “lost” photographic evidence of his injuries.
The court was told that several high-profile musicians witnessed the altercation on 18 August, including Mischa B, Alexandra Burke, Wretch 32 and Mutya Buena – all of whom allegedly did not go on to give statements to Essex Police.
Contostavlos, who claims that Morgan has a “vendetta” against her, denies the allegations. Her PA, Gareth Varey, who is charged with threatening behaviour also denies the claims. Both have pleaded not guilty.
Contostavlos and Morgan had long-running history before the incident last year; he published her sex tape on his website in 2012, although removed it hours later following advice from his solicitor, a court heard.
The singer’s barrister said that she was concerned that he was “stalking” her, after he stayed in a Los Angeles hotel room opposite hers in February-March 2012.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments