US rapper TI released on $3m bail

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/7065388.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Rapper TI has been released on $3m (£1.5m) bail in Atlanta but has been ordered to remain confined at home before his trial on weapons charges.

The US artist - real name Clifford Harris - is charged with unlawfully possessing firearms, unregistered machine guns and silencers.

US Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman said the singer must remain under house arrest in Henry County, Georgia.

He will be monitored 24 hours a day by a private firm paid for by himself.

He will also be electronically tagged.

Mr Harris has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Mr Harris's lawyer, Ed Garland, argued that, given the amount of money being put up, there was no reason not to release him on bail.

The judge said Mr Harris had a highly qualified legal team. "You shouldn't do anything that will undermine their ability to represent you," he told the rapper.

Previous conviction

Mr Harris's girlfriend will be allowed to stay at the house, which has been searched for weapons or illegal goods.

Other visitors will be permitted subject to certain conditions. The rapper and the property will also be randomly searched.

The judge said the singer was free to find appropriate employment, to which his lawyers answered that he would work at a music studio in the house.

Mr Harris is forbidden from owning firearms due to a previous conviction on drugs charges.

He was arrested in Atlanta on 13 October while allegedly trying to buy machine guns and silencers.

It was the day the Grammy-award winning artist was due to have performed at the BET hip hop awards.

He led the nominations and the night ended with the singer winning two titles.