Former N’Dubz singer Dappy has appeared in court accused of assaulting another man outside an Essex nigthtclub.

Charged under his real name of Dino Contostavlos, 26, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, he pleaded not guilty to assaulting George Chittock by beating on February 26.

The attack is alleged to have taken place outside Chicago’s nightclub in Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, in the smoking area. The singer was given unconditional bail by Chelmsford Magistrates Court for a two-day trial on June 18.

Dappy, who had also appeared in Big Brother, is accused of slapping the alleged victim in the face but is claiming self defence.

Grace Court, prosecuting, told the court both men were in the smoking area and as the defendant went to leave he "lunged forward and slapped him in the face".

Tim Bittlestone, mitigating, said his client was approached by the victim on three occasions and the first two involved him being verbally threatening and on the third, also verbally threatening, and Dappy "believed he was about to be attacked".

Last month his former bandmate Tulisa appeared at the same court accused of assault in a different incident  at Chelmsford at the V-Festival last August.