Pop star Tulisa 'hit a man in the eye', court hears

19 May 2014

Former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos hit a man in the eye during last year's V Festival, a court has heard.

Celebrity blogger Savvas Morgan said his eye swelled after the alleged altercation at 00:30 BST on 18 August.

The 25-year-old former N-Dubz singer denied assault by beating at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in Essex.

Her assistant Gareth Varey, 28, is also accused of threatening behaviour, which he denied.

The court heard they were in a VIP area of the festival at its Chelmsford site when the alleged assault took place.

'Everyone was jumping'

Prosecutor Matthew McNiff said she accused Mr Morgan of stalking her and swore at him.

He added: "She saw the opportunity to hit him and hit him in the eye."

The court also heard from Mr Morgan, who said Ms Contostavlos, of Friern Barnet, north London, raised her fist in the air and was swinging her arms.

He said: "Everyone was jumping around trying to get at me, there was a lot going on."

But Ms Contostavlos's arms were closest to him, the court was told.

The blogger was escorted away by security following the alleged attack.

Mr Morgan said he was told by a guard: "'There's one of you and 15 of them and we don't want to see you get hurt'."

The trial continues.