BRAND ASSAULT CASE CLOSED
British comedian RUSSELL BRAND has escaped punishment over allegations he assaulted a photographer during an airport clash in September (10) - the charge has been dropped.
The Get Him to the Greek star was arrested and charged with battery after the run-in with an over-zealous snapper at Los Angeles International Airport, where he and his then-fiancee Katy Perry were due to board a flight.
Brand insisted he was defending the honour of the pop star as the paparazzo reportedly attempted to take a picture up her skirt.
And he was given a lucky break when he appeared in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday (17Nov10), when he was reprimanded by a judge before walking out a free man.
Los Angeles City Attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan tells E! News, "Mr. Brand and his lawyer attended a hearing on Wednesday. Following that meeting, we do not anticipate any further action will be necessary regarding this matter." The photographer involved in the allegations is due in court on Friday (19Nov10). He will also receive a stern warning from the judge, after which the case will be closed.
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