Hynde defiant after court let-off

Let off: Chrissie Hynde, seen here with Sir Paul McCartney

Rock star Chrissie Hynde is to have charges relating to an animal rights protest dropped - as long as she stays out of trouble.

A judge said he would waive criminal damage allegations against the Pretenders singer and three other activists if they were not arrested in the next six months.

The four, members of of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals group, were accused of causing $1,000 (£625) worth of damage to a New York store.

They were charged them with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Animal activist: Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde protesting with others

Hynde, 48, and the others - Peta president Ingrid Nekirk and supporters Paul Haje and Paul Chetirkin - were arrested at the Rockerfeller Center Gap store on Sixth Avenue on 9 March.

Police said they slashed and tore leather and suede garments displayed in the shop window.

No regrets

Hynde told the Manhattan Criminal Court that they were not sorry for their actions.

"We have no regrets. We were trying to make a point - that was our mission," she said.

"It is unconditionally unacceptable to kill animals for any reason whatsoever."

Judge James Sullivan accepted a recommendation from the prosecution to adjourn all four cases with a view to dismissing them.

American-born Hynde, who lives in London, shot to fame on the back of the new wave phenomenon in the late 1970s.

She enjoyed a string of hits with the Pretenders, including Brass In Pocket, Back On The Chain Gang and Stop Your Sobbing and the band recently enjoyed a revival with the Viva El Amor album.