SINGER Michael Hutchence was fined #400 yesterday after he admitted
attacking a photographer at a hotel where he had spent the night with
girlfriend Paula Yates.
The lead vocalist of Australian band INXS, who has also launched a
solo career, asked for 28 days to pay the fine and compensation of #1600
to a Sun photographer.
A second charge of using threatening and violent behaviour was
dismissed.
The couple had been harassed over dinner the night before the assault
by certain journalists on adjoining tables in the restaurant, Maidstone
Magistrates Court heard.
The situation came to a head the following morning, March 20, when the
couple tried to leave Chilston Park Hotel, at Lenham, near Maidstone.
Hutchence, 35, said in a statement later: ''I am very pleased this
matter has been resolved. I believe the modest level of the fine
reflected the magistrate's disquiet at the press intrusion into the
privacy of people who have expressly asked to be left alone.''
Ms Yates, 34, was not in court. She gave a written statement, which
was not read out.
Mr Andrew Jones, prosecuting, told the court how Hutchence ''became
quite annoyed by the pressure of the Press at the hotel''.
Mr Jones described how witnesses said they saw the singer ''launching
himself'' at the group as he and Ms Yates tried to leave the hotel.
Sun photographer Jim Bennett suffered a cut to his forehead, a bruised
upper lip, and a swollen left thigh. Almost #1800 of camera equipment
was smashed.
Reporter Mark Wood restrained Hutchence, causing #200 of damage to the
journalist's watch.
Hutchence struggled free and continued to abuse journalists verbally
as he and Ms Yates got in the cab.
Mr Jonathan Laidlow, defending, said the attack had been provoked
following three months of ''relentless tabloid press intrusion'' into
the couple's relationship.
''Mr Hutchence had just enough of this appalling behaviour,'' he said.
Mrs Susan Perkins, chairwoman of the bench, ordered Hutchence to pay
#1600 in compensation to Mr Bennett, #200 to Mr Wood, and #80 towards
court costs.
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