Latest news with #WillesdenMagistrates'Court
Metro
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Sugababes' Keisha Buchanan ‘beaten' by footballer ex who controlled what she ate
Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan's footballer ex-partner allegedly waged a ten-year 'campaign of terror and abuse' against her. A court heard about the allegations against Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, which include beating her and banning her from wearing red lipstick, among other instances of coercion. Taiwo, who played football for Kenya and Luton Town, is alleged to have grabbed the 40-year-old around the neck, punched her on the arm and struck her on the back during three assaults. Keisha has also alleged financial abuse, with Taiwo supposedly controlling her money, her daily life – including when she could shower or go to the gym – her eating habits and what she could watch on TV and when. The pair first got together in 2011 and the alleged abuse took place between 2015 and 2018. The charges also claim he 'did not allow her to wear red lipstick' andallegedly also contacted the singer demanding £25,000, the court heard. He has also been accused of harassing the star after their relationship and alleged breaches of a court order banning him from contacting her. Prosecutor Edward Kalber told Willesden Magistrates' Court today: 'The offending is severe in its nature and has caused […] problems for the defendant, both psychological and physical. 'The complainant states that while she lived with the defendant she wasn't allowed to open her own letters or sort out her finances. 'The complainant would have to ask for money whenever she wanted it. 'The defendant would get annoyed if the complainant wore red lipstick. He berated her and called her trashy, and told her she looked like a prostitute whenever she wore this.' Mr Kalber added: 'This then fed into her dietary issues, due to the defendant controlling what she was allowed to eat.' Taiwo allegedly carried out three assaults on Keisha, two in the defendant's bedroom and one in the front room. The singer had to undergo physiotherapy as a result of the physical abuse, it is alleged. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video After being blocked from contacting her in any way by court order, the footballer allegedly continued to contact his ex and is accused of harassment over the course of three years. More Trending The news of the court case comes as SugaBabes goes back on tour. The superstar trio, comprised of Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena, and Siobhan Donaghy, have had a run of acclaimed festival slots – including a widely celebrated set at Glastonbury 2024. After years of line-up changes – and a protracted legal battle over the Sugababes name – the original girls are finally back together on their first proper UK arena tour. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Keisha Buchanan says Sugababes saved her from pressure to be 'stick thin' MORE: Sugababes deserve title of UK's greatest girl band after stellar comeback show
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fan faces jail after going into Wembley VIP area
A man who made his way unauthorised into the VIP area of Wembley Stadium to watch the Champions League final with his young son could face jail, a court heard. Steven Carruthers and his four-year-old son mingled with fashion model Naomi Campbell and heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk at the game between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in June last year. Willesden Magistrates' Court in London heard the pair were in an area not open to the general public where hospitality packages cost £21,800 "at the lowest". Carruthers, 34, from Hull has pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining services dishonestly. Prosecutor Rachna Gokani told the court: "The defendant involved his young son who was four years old at the time in order to assist his illegal entrance into the stadium. "He was wearing a suit for the specific purpose of looking like he was entitled to these services." Ms Gokani said Carruthers went on to "advertise his offending" in a national newspaper, "essentially boasting about gaining entry - something he said he had done previously". Quoting a probation officer who met Carruthers prior to the hearing, Ms Gokani added: "He had no shame or remorse and was clearly proud of what he had accomplished." Ms Gokani said the offending and its subsequent "advertisement" in the national press posed security risks for Wembley Stadium and prompted the Football Association to bring a prosecution. Carruthers, who represented himself in court, apologised after he was told the offence carried a maximum sentence of three years in jail. "I'm regretful of what I did. It really does worry me about jail, to be honest," he said. "I don't really want to ruin my kids' future." He told the panel as he left the dock: "I think it's excessive. I've not hurt anyone." Sentencing will be at Harrow Crown Court on a date to be fixed. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
