A FOOTBALLER has appeared in court charged with beating his Sugababes ex Keisha Buchanan in a ten-year “campaign of terror”.
Taiwo Leo Atieno is accused of grabbing the singer’s neck and punching her in the arm and back.
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The 39-year-old, who played for Luton, also controlled what Keisha, 40, ate and blocked her from wearing red lipstick, it is said.
Atieno appeared at Southwark Crown Court today charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He is also accused of engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour, harassment without violence and breaching a non-molestation order.
The footballer did not enter pleas during the hearing, which was adjourned until August 22 for technical reasons.
A five-day trial has been set for April 13 next year at the same court.
Atieno was granted bail subject to a series of conditions including a £10,000 surety and residence at his home address in Brixton.
He must not enter the London Borough of Barnet, not contact the complainant and not apply for any international travel documents.
Atieno, who will also have to surrender his passport, is accused of assaulting Keisha on three occasions – including one that left her needing physiotherapy treatment.
The court heard previously how he allegedly conducted a “campaign of terror and abuse against the complainant for over ten years.”
Keisha alleges he controlled her finances and use of the shower while they were living together.
The footballer is also accused of allowing her to only go the gym “at certain times” and blocking her from watching TV.
When he was blocked from contacting the singer by a family court order, it is alleged Atieno still sent emails to her.
He is also accused of harassing Keisha over the course of three years with texts, emails, social media contact and a request for £25,000.
Atieno has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2015 and May 2018 and assault occasioning actual bodily harm between January 2012 and January 2015.
He is also accused of harassment between January 2021 and December last year and an alleged breach of a non-molestation order.
His lawyer claims the pair first met in 2006 and began dating in 2011, and that the footballer also worked as her business manager.
The Kenya international played for a string of teams – including Walsall, Tamworth, Luton Town, Stevenage, and Torquay United – before retiring in 2013.
Keisha was one of the original members of Sugababes alongside Mutya Buena and Siobhan Dohaghy.
She enjoyed solo success before reuniting with her former bandmates.
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