CHICAGO - TI REQUESTS PRE-TRIAL RELEASE

Rapper TI will be monitored and confined at home ahead of his weapons charges trial if his lawyers' request is granted.

The 27-year-old was denied bail after being arrested shortly before an awards ceremony in Atlanta on charges of unlawful possession of firearms, unregistered machine guns and silencers.

However, his lawyers have requested his release on a $2.2 million (£1 million bond) allowing him to be monitored at home 24 hours a day, with visits only permitted from persons named on a pre-approved list.

He would also surrender his passport and right to drive and be subject to random searches and drug tests.

US magistrate Judge Alan Baverman said he would reserve judgement on the request until October 26th, when TI's representatives must produce a court-approved home monitor.

The Grammy-winning artist - real name Clifford Harris - was taken into custody hours before he was due to perform at the BET Hip-Hop awards in his hometown of Atlanta on Sunday October 14th.

Convicted of drug offences nine years ago, he is accused of arranging for his bodyguard to purchase machine guns and silencers for him.

Police said they found three firearms, one of which was loaded, in the rapper's car prior to his arrest.

A raid at his home unearthed a further six weapons, five of which were loaded.

"This convicted felon allegedly was trying to add several machine guns to an already large and entirely illegal arsenal of guns," said prosecutor David Nahmias.

"Thanks to the good and quick work of [the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms], he is now in custody and his firearms have been seized."

TI, who was nominated in nine categories at the award ceremony, went on to win two, including jointly sharing the CD of the year gong with Common.

"I salute my guy TI, who also won, wherever he is," the Chicago rapper said as he accepted his award.