Bedingfield charged after crash

Bedingfield is expected to miss the Brit Awards ceremony

Pop star Daniel Bedingfield has been charged with careless use of a motor vehicle following a recent car crash in New Zealand.

The 24-year-old suffered two fractured vertebrae in his neck after the jeep he was driving rolled over on 2 January.

Northland police confirmed that the singer, who is recuperating in New Zealand after being released from hospital, has been charged.

If convicted, he could face a fine of NZ$1,000 (£370) and a driving ban.

Festival

The accident happened when Bedingfield was returning from a music festival near Whangarei.

He had to be cut from the wreckage by emergency crews, although his passenger was unhurt in the crash.

Bedingfield, who was born in New Zealand, said he felt "blessed" to have survived the accident. "Having an accident like this really puts things into perspective," he said in a statement after the crash.

He is expected to remain in the country with his parents for up to two months while he recuperates from his injuries.

As a result, he will miss February's Brit Awards ceremony, where he has been nominated for three prizes - best British male, British album and pop act.