Dane Bowers assault trial: Singer argues self-defence in attack by ex-fiancee Sophia Cahill

Former Another Level singer Dane Bowers says he acted in self-defence during an altercation with his ex-fiancée, a court has heard during his assault trial. The 35-year-old is accused of attacking former Miss Wales, Sophia Cahill, on 29 January 2015 following an argument which is said to have started over glitter, BBC News reports.

Croydon Magistrates Court heard how Cahill noticed glitter on Bowers' face when he came home from a night out. She confronted him about it, believing he had been with another woman.

The model told the court: "I pointed to the glitter on his face. I had caught him in bed with somebody [before] – that obviously gave us trust issues. We said that if we are still living under the same roof we would not do anything to disrespect each other and do anything with other people. He had been out all night and obviously I jumped to conclusions because of other things he has done in the past."

According to Cahill, Bowers had been changing the nappy of one of her two children at the time of the attack, during which she alleges the R&B singer grabbed her by the shoulder and pushed her out of the bedroom. The incident is said to have escalated after Cahill slapped Bowers in the face, prompting him to allegedly hit her before dragging her around on the floor.

Recalling the alleged attack, the mother-of-two told the court: "I could not breathe. He was really, really aggressive. He was angry. He was just crazy. He was on my back. He was squeezing my throat and my head was still pulled back by my hair. My head was pulled back as far as it could go. He was leaning on my face. He was just swearing at me."

Cahill also claims that Bowers struck her on the nose causing it to bleed. However, in a prepared statement given to the police, Bowers argues that his actions were to "deflect" blows from Cahill.

He said: "I took her arms again and moved her out of the room. She began to hit me again and I was deflecting her blows when she lost her balance and fell. She got up again and again I had to deflect her blows. I never pushed her to the floor, nor did I touch her hair. At all times I acted in self-defence."

When the singer's defence attorney challenged Cahill's version, she stated: "[Bowers] does make me feel like I am crazy." The trial has been adjourned until September and Bowers reacted to the delay via Twitter, writing: