No Axl to Grind: Rock Star Pleads Innocent
Clayton, MO - Rock star Axl Rose pleaded innocent yesterday to charges stemming from a riot at a concert last summer, and a judge said Rose's group, Guns n' Roses could begin its American tour Friday as scheduled.
Rose, 30, pleaded innocent to four counts of misdemeanor assault and one count of property damage. A trial was set of Oct. 13 after the nine-minute hearing.
St. Louis County Court Judge Ellis Gregory allowed the bond of $100,000 Rose had already put up to stand and permitted him to leave the state to continue his career.
The band's 25-concert American tour begins Friday at RFK Stadium in Washington.
Rose was arrested Sunday at Kennedy Airport after St. Louis County authorities issued fugitive warrants seeking his arrest. Rose had ignored efforts to get him to turn him in.
About 40 concertgoers and 20 police officers were injured at the aborted Guns n' Roses concert last July near the St. Louis suburb of Clayton.
Police blamed the riot on Rose, who leaped from the stage to wrestle a camera from a fan and then left the stage, ending the show. Rose blamed the incident on inadequate security.
In an interview on Monday night on MTV, Rose called St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch a liar, and prosecutors responded they had dropped any plans for a negotiated plea agreement.
Rose entered the courthouse through a basement entrance, eluding fans and reporters waiting outside. If convicted of all charges, he faces up to 4 1/2 years in jail and $4500 in fines. |