Amy to challenge drug conviction - Dec 31 2007
Troubled singer Amy Winehouse is to appear in court in Norway to challenge a drug conviction, police said.

The 24-year-old was fined for possession of cannabis in Bergen earlier this year. But by accepting the fine of 500 euros (£367) she may have restricted her ability to tour around the world. Some countries will deny entry to anyone with a drug conviction.

She’ll appear before the court on February 29 to launch her appeal, Bergen police said. A spokesman for Amy said it was unclear if she would have to appear in person.

The singer-songwriter was arrested with her husband Blake Fielder-Civil on October 18 at the five-star Radisson SAS Hotel. The couple and another man were held in cells overnight but released after admitting possessing 1/4 ounce (7g) of the drug.

Bergen police spokeswoman Liv Karlsen said: "I can confirm that she must appear in court."

"If one appeals a conviction, it’s the rule that one has to appear in person, so this is not surprising."

Amy has claimed she didn’t know what she had put her signature to and had been tricked.

Bergen Police said she was given full translation assistance.

A spokesman for Amy said today (Friday): "She won’t necessarily appear in person. It’s something for the lawyers to sort out."

Fielder-Civil, 25, is in jail awaiting trial for perverting the course of justice. Amy was arrested in connection with the case against him, which relates to an assault on a barman and an alleged cover-up. She was released on bail until March.

Amy’s dad: She’s fine - Dec 20 2007
Amy Winehouse’s dad has apparently reassured fans that his daughter is "absolutely fine" after her recent arrest ordeal, saying the troubled singer just needs to rest.

The 24-year-old Rehab singer was questioned by police on Tuesday in connection with an investigation into perverting the course of justice. She was later released on bail.

Her dad Mitch, 57, told the Daily Star: "She’s absolutely fine. She was interviewed for a few hours and may have to see the police again but I don’t know any more than that."

Amy was not charged but has to return to the station in early March pending further inquiries.

Mitch added: "Apart from the police visit Amy is doing well and we’re all pleased with her progress. She still needs to rest and that’s exactly what she’ll do."

Amy’s husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, is currently remanded in custody on charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to an assault case.

Blake, 25, and Michael Brown are accused of assaulting James King, the landlord of Macbeth’s public house in Hoxton, east London, on June 20 last year.

The pair and two other men have been remanded in custody until January 18 for a plea and directions hearing with a trial date pencilled in for June.

Fielder-Civil and Brown’s trial was adjourned after they were accused of the conspiracy charge.

Winehouse released on bail - Dec 19 2007
Singer Amy Winehouse has been released on police bail after officers questioned her in connection with an investigation into perverting the course of justice.

The troubled star, 24, was arrested on Tuesday when she went to a police station in east London.

She was not charged but has to return to the station in early March pending further inquiries.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "A 24-year-old woman has been bailed to return to an east London police station on a date in early March pending further inquiries."