R. KELLY’s trial for charges of child pornography is finally heading to court – five years after he was indicted for the crimes.

The R&B singer was charged with 21 counts of child pornography and sex with an underage girl in 2002 after a video tape showing Kelly with a 14-year old girl surfaced in his native Chicago, Illinois.

Seven counts of having sex with a minor were later dropped as the tape showed no actual sexual intercourse had taken place.

At a hearing in Chicago on Wednesday (01Aug07), Judge Vincent Gaughan announced Kelly’s trial will begin on 17 September (07).

Kelly’s spokesman tells MTV.com, “As Robert (Kelly) said many times, he believes in our system of justice.

“He is looking forward to finally having his day in court. He’s confident that when all the facts come out, it will be clear he’s not guilty of any crime.”

The Bump N Grind star, 40, has entered a not guilty plea and maintains he is not the man in the video.

He faces a 15-year jail sentence and a fine of up to $100,000 (?50,000) if he is found guilty of the alleged crimes.

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