N-DUBZ star Dappy has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assualt by beating at a Chelmsford night club.

The rapper, 26, whose real name is Costadinos Contostavlos appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court this morning, amid a media scrum.

He is accused of slapping clubber George Chittock in the smoking area of Chicagos in Moulsham Street in the early hours of Thursday, February 27.

The star, from Sandridge, St Albans, had been at the club making a guest appearance on the night of Wednesday, February 26.

Dappy, whose cousin and fellow former N-Dubz star Tulisa appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court three weeks ago charged with assaulting a blogger at last year's V Festival, will return to court for a two day trial starting on Wednesday, June 18.

He was released on unconditional bail.

Echo: dappy in chelmsford

Dappy is scrambled into a waiting car after appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning