Journalist summoned to R Kelly trial

Updated 13.41 Wed Jun 04 2008
Keywords: journalist, sex-tape, r kelly

The journalist at the centre of the R Kelly sex tape trial has been ordered to give evidence.

Judge Vincent Gaughan has ordered Jim DeRogatis a music critic from the Chicago Sun-Times to appear as a "material wittness to the crime not as a reporter."

Mr DeRogatis' lawyer Damon Dunn said this his rights as a reporter would be violated if he were to testify

Mr DeRogatis failed to appear in court on Tuesday. He received a sex tape in 2002, then turned it over to the authorities.

Mr DeRogatis' lawyer Damon Dunn said this his rights as a reporter would be violated if he were to testify.

Mr Dunn said: "If he testifies as a reporter, it would be a serious breach of his statutory rights and constitutional rights."

Kelly has pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of child pornography - if found guilty he could face up to 15 years in prison.

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