June 9, 2008 21:24

R. Kelly trial: Day 15

The defence rests its case

R Kelly's defence team rested its case in the R&B star's child pornography trial in Chicago today (June 9).

The abrupt ending came as a surprise after just two days of defence arguments. The prosecution is set to begin its rebuttal tomorrow.

Kelly reportedly looked relaxed as defence attorney Ed Genson rested the case without calling any witnesses for the day, reports the Associated Press.

The prosecution is expected to call back to the witness stand Grant Frederics, a forensic video analyst who found what appeared to be a mole on the back of the male who appears in the sex tape.

The defence has argued that the man could not be their client because he does not have a mole on his back, as R Kelly does.

The prosecution also plans to call Atlanta assistant district attorney Robert Wolf to the stand. He is expected to deny suggestions that Lisa Van Allen, who testified she had a three-way sexual encounter with Kelly and the alleged underage victim, was given a deal to testify, reports the Chicago Tribune.

The judge told jurors that closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday.

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.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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