Zambian beauty: Simon's break-in girl

Leanne Zaloumis is accused of breaking into Simon Cowell's £10 million (Dh58.88 million) mansion armed with half a brick.

Zambian-born Zaloumis, 29, once looked forward to a career in finance but now she is in custody — charged with aggravated burglary at the multi-millionaire's West London home.

Monday her mother spoke of the family's shock and dismay at her arrest.

"As far as I know she's not even a fan of Simon Cowell," said 53-year-old Heather Claxton. "What happened was totally unexpected and it is shocking how she has been portrayed.

"I just want her back home. She is my only daughter and I love her and I can't wait to hug her when she comes out."

Zaloumis, who once took part in a Miss Zambia beauty contest, is accused of breaking into Cowell's mansion by smashing his bathroom window with a rock after scrambling on to a flat roof.

On March 24, West London magistrates were told, the X Factor creator was watching TV in his bedroom at 10.30pm when he heard a "loud bang" in the bathroom on the first floor of his home, which used to be the French ambassador's residence. Entering the bathroom to investigate, he was confronted by a figure standing on the flat roof outside holding a rock above her head, with her hands covered in blood.

District Judge James Henderson remanded Zaloumis in custody to face Isleworth Crown Court on June 12.