UK challenges Snoop visa ruling

The UK government is challenging a decision to allow US rapper Snoop Dogg into the country.

The 36-year-old was cautioned in 2006 on suspicion of affray after he was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport and later banned from entering the UK.

But the rapper - real name Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr - successfully appealed against the ban in January.

A spokesman for the UK Border Agency said it would challenge the ruling at a hearing on Monday.

'Disappointed'

The rapper was given clearance to enter the UK by an asylum immigration tribunal. The UK Border Agency said it was "disappointed" with the judge's decision.

More than 65,000 fans were expected to see him perform alongside hip-hop mogul P Diddy on their tour of Britain, but it had to be cancelled.

In 2007, the US rapper was refused entry into Australia because of his criminal record.

Last year he was sentenced to five years' probation and 800 hours of community service in the US after he pleaded no contest to gun and drug charges. He was also convicted of cocaine possession in 1990.

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