Tulisa denies cocaine drugs deal as singer is ordered to face trial next year

 
Denied charge: Tulisa arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court today
20 December 2013
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N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos will stand trial next year after pleading not guilty to aiding a cocaine deal.

The former X Factor judge, 25, was charged last week with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

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She was arrested in connection with the alleged incident with 35-year-old musician Mike GLC - real name Michael Coombs - on June 4.

The arrest came following a Sun on Sunday sting between March and May 23 2013, which allegedly resulted in the supply of Class A drugs to investigative journalist Mazher Mahmood at the Dorchester Hotel.

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Dressed in sky-high black Christian Louboutin stilletos, a black blazer and skinny black trousers, the N-Dubz singer spoke only to confirm her name, address, date of birth and to deny the charge against her when she appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning.

Coombs, of Enfield, also appeared and pleaded not guilty to his charge of supplying class A drugs.

The court heard how the charges relate to the alleged supply of 13.9g of cocaine.

Committing the case to trial at Southwark Crown Court, District Judge Howard Riddle said: "This matter is not suitable for a summary trial and is too serious to be dealt with at the Magistrates court and will be sent to the Crown Court."

Contostavlos and Coombs were released on unconditional bail and will next appear at Southwark Crown Court on 9 January for a hearing.

She was officially dropped as a judge on X Factor days before her arrest, with Sharon Osbourne returning to the show in her place.

She formed N-Dubz with cousin Dino “Dappy” Contostavlos and friend Richard “Fazer” Rawson in 2000.

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They had eight top 40 hits before splitting up to pursue solo projects in 2011.

She became a household name that year when Simon Cowell gave her a role on the X Factor judging panel, where she went on to win as mentor to girl group Little Mix.

As a solo artist, her first single Young topped the charts, but debut album The Female Boss went on to flop.

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