Woman held in custody over Cowell break-in

A woman accused of breaking into Simon Cowell's mansion wielding a brick has appeared in court.

Leanne Zaloumis, 29, from Catford in south London, was charged with aggravated burglary after breaking into the talent show judge's west London home, worth an estimated £9m.

She is alleged to have smashed his bathroom window and hidden in his walk-in wardrobe.

Mr Cowell was watching TV in his bedroom when he heard a "loud bang" coming from his bathroom, prosecutors said.

The 52-year-old X Factor judge called his staff, who detained the woman until the police arrived.

Ms Zaloumis, who appeared in the dock with unkempt hair and was wearing a baggy grey sweatshirt, is accused of shouting at Mr Cowell and hurling items at his bathroom window while standing on a roof outside.

The incident took place at around 10.30pm on Saturday night. Police drew their weapons as they arrested her in a wardrobe of the property. Officers found blood marks in the bathroom.

It is understood Mr Cowell does not know the woman, and she is believed to be an over-zealous fan.

Ms Zaloumis was remanded in custody at West London magistrates' court until 12 June.