Defence Ends Case In R Kelly Trial

Defence lawyers have concluded their case in the R Kelly child pornography trial in Chicago. Court business was suspended early on Monday, as the hearing entered its third week. The singer is charged with making a sex tape featuring himself and an underage girl. The state is now expected to recall several of its witnesses, among them a forensic video expert called Grant Frederics. He testified earlier that the man seen on tape bore a mole on his back, similar to one R Kelly has had since childhood. The singer’s lawyers disputed that, calling their own video expert to claim that no mole was visible. Neither side has sought evidence from the girl said to appear in the video, aged 13 or 14. She has previously denied being involved with the film. There was speculation that the alleged victim, now 23, would appear for the defence. Instead R Kelly’s lawyers have chosen to focus on two main strategies. They have described a conspiracy against the star which sought to incriminate him by using special effects technology to create a fake sex tape. They have also focused on the missing mole claim. The prosecution case relies largely on the testimony of friends and family members of the young girl who say they were able to identify her from watching the video. Closing arguments in the case are expected to take place on Thursday. The jury will then retire to consider its verdict. R Kelly denies 14 charges of making and owning child pornography. If convicted, the 41-year-old faces up to 15 years in jail.