Amy Winehouse deliberately assaulted a female fan who had asked to have her picture taken with the singer, a court has heard.

Sherene Flash claims Winehouse hit her backstage at the Summer Ball in Berkeley Square, London last September.

Prosecutor Lyall Thompson said Flash had “politely” asked for a photograph with the singer, who reluctantly agreed to pose for the picture.

But Westminster Magistrates' Court heard this morning that Winehouse “reacted badly” and hit Flash when the fan's drunken friend, Kieran Connelly, attempted to get into the photo.

"It may be that it was that that annoyed Miss Winehouse,” Mr Thompson said.

But he added: "This was a deliberate assault by Miss Winehouse.”

Winehouse watched from the dock as Flash, who admitted to being “tipsy” at the party, said she had been left “shocked” by the singer's reaction.

“I couldn't open my eye for a while,” she told the court, according to the BBC.

Meanwhile, Jack Jefferson, who also performed at the event, told the court that Winehouse appeared to lash out after someone said there was no time for photographs.

"I can't remember literally seeing the hand hitting the face, but from the actions I assume that contact was made,” he said.

Winehouse has denied the assault charge. The trial is expected to last two days.

(by Jason Gregory)