Brandy may be charged over crash

Brandy began her recording career at the age of 14

R&B star Brandy could face charges of misdemeanour vehicular manslaughter over her role in a fatal car accident.

The California Highway Patrol has recommended the charge, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail, to prosecutors reviewing the case.

The 27-year-old singer hit the back of another car when traffic slowed down on a California Highway in December.

The driver of the second vehicle died in hospital following the accident, which involved two other cars.

Brandy, whose full name is Brandy Norwood, was alone in her car and no alcohol or drugs were involved, said California Highway Patrol spokesman Leland Tang.

The patrol has referred the case to the Los Angeles City Attorney's office, which will decide whether to press charges.

Ms Norwood's publicist, Courtney Barnes, has not yet commented on the police statement.

Last week, Ms Barnes said the singer "wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased".

Ms Norwood has recorded five albums and earned a Grammy in 1999. Her UK hits include What About Us and The Boy Is Mine.

She has acted for film and television, starring in the US sitcom Moesha, and most recently appeared as a judge on Simon Cowell's America's Got Talent.