Chris Brown can return to US after bail conditions changed | UK News

Singer Chris Brown will be allowed to return to the United States as he awaits trial for an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023.

Judge Tony Baumgartner granted the change to the American musician’s bail conditions at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday.

Brown has pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm to Abraham Diaw at the Tape venue, a private members’ club in Hanover Square, Mayfair, on 19 February, 2023.

The R&B star, 36, has also denied having an offensive weapon – a bottle – in a public place, as well as attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.

Heidi Stonecliffe KC, prosecuting, said the bail conditions remained “very stringent” and “numerous”.

The £5 million security fee Brown was previously ordered to pay to the court remains in place.

Read more from Sky News:
Fawlty Towers actress Prunella Scales has died
Where could Prince Andrew move to if he leaves Royal Lodge?

Brown’s co-defendant, US national Omololu Akinlolu, 39, has also denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Brown’s previous bail conditions allowed him to carry on with his scheduled international tour.

He had to live at a specific address known to the court and was not permitted to visit the nightclub, contact Mr Diaw, or apply for international travel documents.

Granting both defendants permission to return to the US, Judge Baumgartner said on Friday: “You will have to come back to the United Kingdom when you are required to do so.”

He reminded them that failure to attend court dates when required could jeopardise the securities.

The defendants spoke only to confirm their identities and that they understood the new conditions.

They will next appear at the same court on 28 January.