A former professional footballer has appeared in court accused of assault and coercive behaviour in a case involving Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan.
Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, faces eight charges relating to alleged offences against Ms Buchanan during their former relationship. The case was heard at Harrow Crown Court in the UK on Thursday.
Atieno, who previously played for clubs including Luton Town and represented Kenya internationally, appeared via video link from HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs wearing a suit and tie.
He is charged with causing actual bodily harm between January 2012 and January 2015. A further charge alleges controlling or coercive behaviour between December 2015 and May 2018.
That charge includes claims that he restricted Ms Buchanan's access to personal communications and activities, including when she could go to the gym or shower. It also alleges he monitored her appearance and financial affairs, causing her serious alarm or distress.
In addition, Atieno is charged with six counts of breaching a non-molestation order. These include allegations of online disclosures in July 2023 and direct email contact on four occasions in late 2024.
At Thursday’s hearing, no pleas were entered. Judge Ian Bourne KC granted Atieno conditional bail and ordered him to surrender his passport. He was also prohibited from contacting Ms Buchanan and from entering the London Borough of Barnet.
Julian Malins KC, representing Atieno, told the court his client understood the conditions and would comply fully.
A plea hearing is scheduled for 22 August 2025, with a trial expected to begin on 13 April 2026.
Ms Buchanan rose to fame as one of the original members of the Sugababes, formed in 1998. She reunited with founding bandmates Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy in 2022, performing together under the group’s name following a legal reclaim of the brand in 2019.
Source: Press Association
