R Kelly trial: Day Nine

The R Kelly child pornography trial came to an abrupt halt today (May 28) after the defence team received a call from a potential witness who said he could help the R&B star's case.

Kelly's attorney, Sam Adam Sr, said he did not know about the witness until he received the call this morning.

Judge Vincent Gaughan said the attorneys would need to depose the man before bringing him as a witness.

"I have no idea what's going on," Gaughan said in the Chicago courthouse. "It might be the impeachment of the witness (for prosecutors)."

The judge added that testimony would resume tomorrow morning (May 29), reports the Associated Press.

Earlier in the day, high school basketball coach Jacques Conway testified that his former player is the young female who appears on the sex tape at the centre of the case. He said he recognised her in part because of the cross necklace she is wearing on the tape, which he had seen her wear before.

Middle school basketball coach Joel Rhea also testified that he recognised the same girl on the tape, due to her distinctive forehead.

Kelly faces child pornography charges for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with a minor some time between 1998 and 2000.

If Kelly is found guilty of the charges, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

The Grammy-winning artist is due to release a new album in July.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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