Chris Brown assault case to go ahead

Singer Chris Brown's assault case will go forward after a judge in Washington rejected a request to dismiss it.

Lawyers for the Grammy award-winning singer had argued the case should be dismissed because prosecutors misused the grand jury process to prepare for trial. But a judge said she did not believe there was any abuse.

Brown and his bodyguard were arrested in Washington in October and are accused of punching a man outside a Washington hotel. His trial on the misdemeanour assault charge is set for April 17.

Brown's lawyers and a government prosecutor are expected to be in court later for an additional hearing. Issues to be discussed include whether Brown will be barred from claiming self-defence.

Brown's case will be heard by a judge, not a jury.