Prosecution rests in R Kelly case

Mr Kelly faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted

The prosecution has rested its case in R&B star R Kelly's child pornography trial after graphic testimony from its key witness.

In court, 27-year-old Lisa Van Allen alleged she had several sexual encounters with Kelly and the alleged victim, some of which were videotaped.

But the defence accused Ms Van Allen of plotting to extort money from Mr Kelly, a claim which she denied.

Mr Kelly denies filming himself having sex with an under-age girl.

Ms Van Allen identified the girl in the videotape in question in the case, saying she looked "just exactly how I remember her".

'Thief and liar'

She alleged Mr Kelly offered her $250,000 (�127,000) to recover a tape of one of the trysts.

Ms Van Allen also told jurors the singer frequently filmed his sexual encounters, and would carry around a duffel bag filled with video tapes.

Under further questioning, although she denied extortion, she admitted she once stole a $20,000 (�10,000) diamond-studded watch belonging to Mr Kelly from a hotel.

"Van Allen is an admitted thief and liar who wouldn't know the truth if she tripped over it," Kelly's business manager, Derrel McDavid, said.

The defence will begin its presentation on Wednesday.

Mr Kelly is charged with 14 counts relating to child pornography in connection with a 26-minute video, believed to have been made between 1998 and 2000.

Mr Kelly, 41, whose hits include She's Got That Vibe and I Believe I Can Fly, faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

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