R Kelly defence rest

Key witnesses will not appear in the trial

10 June 2008 - On 9 June, after just two days, R Kelly’s lawyers in the child pornography trial have decided to rest their defence , having heard from just 12 witnesses.

This unexpected news means that the jury will not hear from R Kelly himself, or from the woman who allegedly appears in the sex tape which is central to the case.

It had been thought that the 23 year old female - who was reportedly as young as 13 in the tape and has denied that it was her - would speak out in support of the singer, acting as a key witness for the defence.

The case now rests on two arguments, one that the film was faked using special FX and the second that a birthmark on R Kelly’s back proves it was not him in the graphic film.

Three relatives of the girl have testified and said that they do not recognise the female in the tape.

Other witnesses included her childhood friends and four relatives who have identified her in the 27-minute video.

Judge Vincent Gaughan sent jurors home after minutes on 9 June asking them to return today (10 June) to hear two rebuttal witnesses.

Prosecutors have plans to bring their video expert back, with the lower-back mole again becoming central to the trial - before they consider their verdict.

If the 41 year old singer, who has pleaded not guilty, is committed he could face up to 15 years in prison.

It has been reported that Gaughan expects closing arguments to take place as soon as Thursday.

Georgie Rogers