SNOOP DOGG - SNOOP DOGG FACES COURT OVER WEAPONS CHARGE

SNOOP DOGG FACES COURT OVER WEAPONS CHARGE

Rapper Snoop Dogg faced a Los Angeles court yesterday for allegedly being in possession of a deadly weapon at an airport.

The rapper was stopped by airport security at John Wayne Airport in Orange County after a search of his hand luggage found a police baton. Under US law, the baton is classified as a dangerous weapon, making it illegal to be carried on to an aircraft in hand luggage.

Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Broadus, did not attend court in person, but pleaded innocent through his lawyer Donald Etra.

If he is found guilty of the deadly weapons charge, he could face up to three years in jail.

"Snoop's not guilty plea says it all. The item he's charged with was a movie prop, not a weapon. Snoop never intended it to be used as anything other than a prop," said his lawyer.

But a spokeswoman for the Orange County district attorney Susan Schroeder said that the city has pursued charges against the rapper because of his "apparent and continued disregard for the law".

Last year Snoop Dogg was arrested another two times in relation to weapons and drugs.