Ex-Happy Mondays star Bez jailed for girlfriend attack

The couple are no longer together

Ex-Happy Mondays dancer Bez has been jailed for four weeks for assaulting his ex-girlfriend - after refusing community service.

The star - real name Mark Berry - had accused Monica Ward of stealing cash before flying into a rage, Manchester Magistrates' Court heard.

He was at first given a community order but, after protesting his innocence, told officials: "I'm not doing it."

In response, chair Marie Cash said he would instead be jailed for a month.

The court previously heard that the argument broke out at their flat in Whalley Range on 24 May, the day after they were paid for a concert by their band, Domino Bones.

Bez, 46, who denied the charge, said he was upset because he could not find the takings and accused Ms Ward of taking the money.

Ms Ward, 25, told magistrates he flew into a rage and put both hands around her neck, "looking insane".

"He told me he was going to kill me before the police arrived," she said.

Bez, who represented himself, claimed he was acting in self-defence but was convicted of assault on 11 August.

Reacting to his original sentence - which also included an order to pay £450 costs - he said: "I'm not doing it.

"Bothered. I'm going to appeal and take this to a real court."

Bail refused

After being told he would go to jail instead, he shouted "Victory is in my grasp" as he was handcuffed and led away.

Bez, who is the son of a policeman, was also given a restraining order preventing him from contacting his former partner for two years.

Following the sentence, he instructed a solicitor who was in the courtroom for another case to make a bail application on his behalf.

Later, Peter Etherall, from Howards Solicitors, lodged an appeal and made a bail application, telling the court his client would now like to accept the community order.

Bail was refused and magistrates said Bez would have to appeal against his jail term at crown court, on a date to be fixed.

As he was led away he said: "I can't wait to win this next fixture."