Star admits beating girlfriend

Neil Mitchell, the keyboardist of Wet Wet Wet, beat up his...

11:17 18 May 2010

Neil Mitchell, the keyboardist and co-songwriter of the hit pop group Wet Wet Wet, has admitted to beating his girlfriend.

The 44-year-old 'Love Is All Around' hitmaker was due to stand trial at Kingston Crown Court on Monday morning but dramatically changed his plea at the last minute.

A prior court hearing was informed that the musician was drunk when he punched and kicked Olivia Warren following an argument.

The incident took place at her home in south west London, last July.

Mitchell previously denied assaulting her, causing actual bodily harm, when he appeared at West London Magistrates' Court in October 2009.

However, the brief nine-minute hearing at the court in Surrey was told on Monday that the pair hope to have a future together despite the attack, which left Warren sporting a black eye.

Despite this attempt at reconciliation, Mitchell has been banned from contacting her or entering the road where she lives.

Mitchell was released on bail by Judge Susan Matthews QC. He will be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on June 14.

Wet Wet Wet found fame as one of the most successful pop groups of the 80s and 90s. Their single, a cover of The Troggs' 'Love Is All Around' spent 15 weeks at the No 1 slot after being featured in the film 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'.