BBC News Online: UK

Jay Kay pleads not guilty to assault

Jay Kay was led into court by a pair of minders

The singer arrived at Bow Street Magistrates in London flanked by minders to hear the charges read to him.

The 31-year-old was charged with smashing a photographer's camera and flash valued at £256 and common assault against its owner Dennis Gill.

The incident was said to have taken place on 14 April this year outside the Attica nightclub in the West End, just after his high-profile split from fiancee Denise van Outen.

The singer spoke only to confirm his name and formally plead not guilty to all charges.

The case was adjourned for progress reports until 22 October.

Magistrates agreed Kay did not have to attend court on the next occasion and he was granted unconditional bail.

Jamiroquai's last album, A Funk Odyssey, was released in September and hit number one in the UK album charts.

The first single to be taken from it was Little L, which was supposedly written about his relationship with Van Outen.

The band have the honour of being the most successful losers at the Brit Awards, having been nominated 13 times but leaving empty handed each time.