LATEST: British pop babe Cheryl Tweedy has admitted to hitting a nightclub toilet attendant - but insists it was self defence nad not a racist attack.

The 20-year-old denies charges of Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and racially aggravated assault causing ABH, stemming from an 11 January (02) incident in a Guildford, Surrey, nightclub. She is accused of attacking and racially abusing 39-year-old SOPHIE AMOGBOKPA during a night out with bandmate Nicola Roberts. The pair shot to fame as part of Girls Aloud, the pop group which won British TV talent search POPSTARS: THE RIVALS.

It has been claimed Tweedy called the club employee a "f***ing black bitch", during a row over paying for lollipops on display in the bathroom, before hitting Amogbokpa in the face.

But Tweedy insists that while she did strike out, it was in her own defence - she feared Amogbokpa was going to hit her, and she had to protect her face as she had a television appearance the next day.

During questioning at the KINGSTON CROWN COURT yesterday (14OCT03) she explained, "I am not a racist. She assaulted me first and I defended myself.

"I wanted some of the lollipops. I think she thought I was just going to take them without paying. I said, 'I'm getting the pound out, just give me a minute.'

"As I went to get the pound out of my bag I felt this whack on my face. I thought, 'My God, the last thing I need is a mark on my face, I have to do a live TV show today.' I whacked her back. I did hit her - there's no way I'm going to stand there and let someone hit me when I can defend myself.

"I was angry and scared and upset. I had a swollen cheekbone. I was frightened. What happened if she kept hitting me and blacked my eye and I have got a show tonight?

"I was shouting, 'You b***,' but no racist comments at any time."

The case continues.

15/10/2003 02:29