British rock star Billy Idol has pleaded guilty to hitting a woman he met in a restaurant and faces up to six months' imprisonment, a prosecution spokeswoman said.
The blond, spike-haired singer had earlier pleaded not guilty to two counts of battery, but appeared unexpectedly in Beverly Hills Municipal Court and changed his plea, said the spokeswoman, Sandi Gibbons.Idol, 36, whose real name is William Broad, will be sentenced April 1 and faces a maximum sentence of six months' imprisonment and a fine of $2,000.
Amber Nevel, 22, told police she was driving with Idol, a girlfriend and Idol's manager in the early morning hours of Oct. 11 after dinner at a restaurant when he suddenly began shouting and punched her, Deputy District Attorney Mark Vezzani said earlier.
Idol was wearing his trademark silver rings, and cut and bruised Nevel in the incident, Vezzani said.
Nevel's friend Laurie Bailey stopped the car on Sunset Blvd. and ordered Idol and his manager to get out, Vezzani said. She then drove to a police station to file a complaint.
Idol has had a series of hit songs, including "Rebel Yell," "White Wedding" and "Cradle of Love."