A former X Factor finalist appeared in court today charged with a driving offence.

Yousseph "Chico" Slimani, 47, was at St Albans Magistrates' Court this morning to answer a charge by Bedfordshire Police he let someone known to him drive his car without insurance.

He pleaded not guilty.

Mr Slimani, who appeared at court smartly dressed sporting a tribly hat, became well known in the UK for reaching the quarter-finals of the popular television music competition in 2005.

He had a number one hit on the British charts entitled "It's Chico Time" in 2006.

Mr Slimani will return for trial on May 9.