James Brown avoids court battle

The pair's relationship has been unorthodox to say the least

Soul legend James Brown will not fight allegations of violence against his wife Tomi Rae Hynie.

Brown told prosecutors in a letter he did not want a jury trial as he wanted to keep his personal affairs private.

The 71-year-old was arrested in January and accused of pushing Ms Hynie to the floor and threatening to kill her.

Prosecutors said Brown had pleaded guilty to the charges and would forfeit a $1,000 (£550) bond as a fine. Brown has not given a plea.

The singer's three-year marriage has been troubled.

The soul star pursued an annulment of the marriage in January but pledged to remarry her.

His wife had to have a previous marriage annulled which had still been in effect when she married Brown.

He took out a full-page advert in trade newspaper Variety using a picture of cartoon character Goofy to announce the end of their union.

Brown's refusal to contest the latest charges mean he has effectively been convicted.

But his lawyer, Jim Huff, said: "Mr Brown does not admit to being guilty of this crime."

He said the singer did not want his wife to have to give evidence at a trial.

"A public trial would subject Tommie Rae Hynie to cross examination and challenge her veracity which would have the potential of harming Mr Brown and Ms Hynie's relationship," the letter to prosecutors said.

"My client desires to avoid this."