Music mogul Simon Cowell found female intruder in home

LONDON—A woman will appear in court on Monday charged with breaking into the London home of British music mogul Simon Cowell.

Cowell, who owns the Syco label and judges British and US television talent shows such as “The X Factor” and “Britain’s Got Talent,” found a brick-wielding woman in his mansion on Saturday night, his spokesman said.

“There was a loud bang and Simon rushed upstairs to find out what was going on,” spokesman Max Clifford told The Sun newspaper.

“It came from the bathroom so he went in and there was a woman standing there holding a brick,” added Clifford. “It was a very frightening experience for Simon, who told me it was like something from a horror movie.”

London’s Metropolitan Police said a 29-year-old woman had been charged with breaking into Cowell’s home.

Leanne Zaloumis, from southeast London, was in custody on Monday ahead of her appearance at West London Magistrates’ Court.

Known for his blunt criticism of substandard talent show performers, 52-year-old Cowell is currently a judge on the fifth series of “Britain’s Got Talent.”

He is scheduled to return as a judge on the second series of “The X Factor USA” in September.