Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan’s footballer ex partner is accused of and denies assault, controlling aspects of the star’s life, harassment and breaching a court order
The ex of Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan has been accused of an alleged ten-year “campaign of terror and abuse” against the singer, a court has heard.
Keisha, 40, is famed for her role in the iconic girl group, which has undergone several line-up changes over the years. She dated former Luton Town footballer Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, who allegedly assaulted her on multiple occasions during their relationship.
Atieno is accused of assaulting Buchanan, coercive and controlling behaviour against her, harassment and alleged breaches of a court order banning him from contacting her. He has plead not guilty to the charges against him.
The former footballer is accused of grabbing the singer around the neck, beating her, and striking her on the arm and back during three alleged assaults. The singer claims he controlled her finances, letters, eating habits, when she used the shower or gym, and what she watched on TV.
The court heard that he allegedly banned her from wearing red lipstick. It’s claimed he “berated” her and called her “trashy” and told her she looked “like a prostitute” whenever she wore it.
Prosecutor Edward Kalber told Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 8): “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.”
Atieno allegedly committed three assaults on Keisha – two in his bedroom and one in the front room of the property. One alleged attack saw Keisha suffer a sharp pain in her lower back, which she described as feeling like a kick – she later required physiotherapy due to the alleged incident.
Mr Kalber added: “This defendant has conducted a campaign of terror and abuse to this complainant for over 10 years. The Crown strongly opposes the defendant’s bail”
The singer claims that the footballer, who is currently in custody, sent her emails after being blocked from contacting her by a court order. He is accused of harassment over the course of three years and allegedly demanded £25,000 from the musician.
Keisha went to the police in December last year. Atiena, who appeared in the dock at the hearing on Thursday, denies violence, controlling behaviour, including over her finances, and breaching a court order.
Eli Belegu, defending Atieno, told the court that he and Buchanan first met in 2006 and started dating in 2011. She said the footballer denies violence and breaching a court order and claimed Atieno worked as Buchanan’s business manager but never took over her bank accounts.
Atieno has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2015 and May 2018, assault occasioning actual bodily harm between January 2012 and January 2015, harassment between January 2021 and December last year, and an alleged breach of a non-molestation order.
The case is set to continue at Harrow Crown Court on June 5. Deputy District Judge Clare Boichot has remanded Atieno back into custody until the next hearing.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
