STREET ARTIST BEN EINE PLEADS GUILTY TO PUNCHING GIRLFRIEND AFTER CHEATING ACCUSATIONS

Popular street artist Ben Eine, whose real name is Benjamin Flynn, was involved in an assault incident where he punched his girlfriend at a gallery after allegations of cheating. The incident occurred shortly after their arrival at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery in Hyde Park, where Eine reportedly swung his fist at Maria Claudine, leaving her with a split lip. The court heard that Eine, aged 47, had been drinking and pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage. Prosecutor Jonathan Bryan described that Ms. Claudine had been persuaded by Eine to attend a private viewing of an exhibition by Turner prize winner Tomma Abts on June 6. An argument ensued after she saw a picture of another woman on Eine's phone, leading to her accusing him of infidelity. Ms. Claudine told police that she was trying to adjust her glasses when Eine came up behind her, grabbed her glasses and phone, and then punched her in the mouth with force, causing her to bleed. Eine's lawyer stated that Ms. Claudine had ‘jumped to conclusions’ and that she lost her temper, leading to the altercation. The court was told that Eine, a twice-married father of seven from Bermondsey, had been drinking during the incident. Eine pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage; sentencing was postponed until July 17, and he was released on bail pending the hearing. The court also noted that Eine’s actions stemmed from an argument about trust and infidelity.