Man detained over attack on Leona Lewis

Lewis was signing copies of her autobiography

A man has been detained under the Mental Health Act after admitting punching pop star Leona Lewis.

Peter Kowalczyk, 29, had been charged with striking the singer during a book signing in London on 14 October.

City of Westminster Magistrates' Court heard schizophrenic Kowalczyk said "gotcha" as he hit her in the face.

Kowalczyk, from Waterloo, south London, admitted common assault and will remain in hospital. The court heard the attack had left Lewis scared to go out.

Melanie Lee, prosecuting, said the singer was left "frightened" and "devastated" by the incident at Waterstone's in Piccadilly, central London, which left Lewis with redness and swelling to the face, and whiplash symptoms.

I feel completely devastated by this attack Leona Lewis

She said Kowalczyk hit the left side of the star's face with his right fist as she went to sign his copy of her autobiography.

Ms Lee read out a witness statement by Lewis, which said: "I feel completely devastated by this attack.

"Now I am very frightened about going out in public and I don't know where the next attack will come from and if this will be more serious than what has just happened."

District judge Howard Riddle ordered that Kowalczyk should remain in hospital for an indeterminate period under a section 37 order.

He said: "This is what happens when you don't take your medication.

"A woman is now devastated."

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