Amy Winehouse has returned to the United Kingdom following her extended break in the Caribbean.

The singer, who has spent the last eight months on and off in St Lucia, arrived at London's Gatwick Airport this morning.

Winehouse is due to appear in court on July 23 charged with common assault.

An unnamed female fan claims Winehouse reacted angrily after she asked to have her photograph taken with the singer at the End of Summer Ball in London last September.

The singer pleaded not guilty to the charge during an earlier court appearance in March.

Meanwhile, according to the Sun newspaper, Winehouse will also continue work on her new album while back in the UK.

She began recording to as-yet-untitled third LP during her stay in St Lucia.

But it has been claimed the singer's record label, Island, were unhappy with some of the songs recorded in the Caribbean.

(by Jason Gregory)