belfasttelegraph

Sunday 19 May 2013

Bez 'attacked girlfriend over cash'

Mark Berry, better known as Bez from the Happy Mondays, has been convicted of assaulting his ex-partner

Former Happy Mondays star Bez has been convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend at their home after a row over money.

He accused the mother of his two-year-old son of stealing cash from him and then flew into a rage as he grabbed her neck with both hands and throttled her.

Former partner Monica Ward told Manchester magistrates that he was "looking insane" as he squeezed her neck and she feared for her life.

She said he then threatened to kill her after she alerted police.

Bez - real name Mark Berry who found fame for his freaky dancing in the popular band of the 80s and 90s - claimed he acted in self defence and later labelled the hearing as a "kangaroo court".

The argument broke out at their flat in Whalley Range, Manchester, following a dispute over the whereabouts of takings from a concert the night before.

The pair, who were in a band called Domino Bones at the time, were paid £300 but some of the cash was missing the next day on May 24.

Bez, a past winner of Celebrity Big Brother, confronted Miss Ward, the band's lead singer, when he could not find the money.

Giving evidence, the former model said: "He accused me of stealing money which I did not. I told him he had put down the money somewhere and forgotten where he had put it, he has a history of mislaying things."

Magistrates convicted Bez of the assault and using unlawful to gain entry into a property.

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Your Horoscopes by Russell Grant

Taurus:

No matter how stringently your loved ones warn you, that won't stop you pursuing a romantic interest. You're utterly captivated by someone who exudes warmth, charisma and drama. The two of you get along very well, but beware of the financial toll this relationship will take. The object of your affection likes expensive things. If you're not able to provide them with the luxuries they crave, there will be problems. Then again, you have the potential for being a good provider, so all may be well.More