Winehouse Must Go To Norway Court

[Herb Fellow]

Singer Amy Winehouse must appear in a Norwegian court to appeal against a fine for possession of cannabis. The 24-year-old star spent the night in police cells in Bergen in October, but she was released after she paid 500 euros (£350; $714).

Winehouse's husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, was also arrested Singer Amy Winehouse must appear in a Norwegian court to appeal against a fine for possession of cannabis. The 24-year-old star spent the night in police cells in Bergen in October, but she was released after she paid 500 euros (£350; $714).

Winehouse's father, Mitch, has said a conviction would affect her chances of getting a US visa, harming her career. The singer will challenge the charges in the city on 29 February, according to the AFP news agency. "I can confirm that she must appear in court," said Bergen police spokeswoman Liv Karlsen.
"If one appeals [against] a conviction, it's the rule that one has to appear in person, so this is not surprising."

'Tricked'

Winehouse, her husband Blake Fielder-Civil and a third person were arrested at a hotel after being found with 7g (0.25oz) of cannabis. She was held overnight and, according to her spokesman, was released without charge after paying the fine.

Winehouse was detained at a hotel in the city of Bergen in October
Speaking on ITV's This Morning programme later that month, Mitch Winehouse claimed the drugs did not belong to his daughter. He also said she had been duped into signing a confession, which she believed was a release form.
Police in Norway insisted they were sure she knew what she was signing, and that fluent English speakers had helped her.

The singer, who wrote a hit song about her refusal to enter rehab, has endured a battle with drugs and alcohol under the scrutiny of the tabloid press.

Her 25-year-old husband is currently being held on remand in London on charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Source: The BBC
Copyright: 2007 Reason Magazine
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