On Thursday, Judge Vince Gaughan ruled that members of the press's access will no longer be restricted on the trial of 39-year-old R&B artist R Kelly, that is still continuing after his arrest in 2001.

The artist is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor and it seems that, soon, everybody will see the tape made on this occasion. The judge strongly believes that, by permitting the public to view it, there will be no questions raised concerning the verdict.

He would not agree to a 'star chamber', with only lawyers, prosecutors, judge and jury present in the court room, because, quote, 'the press is important' and people need to see exactly which was the committed crime, in order to judge for themselves.

On the other hand, the defense lawyers can't see the purpose of showing the public child pornography and stated they have no intention of summoning the 14-year-old girl that is seen on the tape as witness. The prosecutors share the same view concerning the latter issue, admitting that nothing good can come out of it : people will only misunderstand her and make her feel like she is on the stand, and not R. Kelly.

Judge Gaughan responded to all objections by saying that 'If there was no tape, we wouldn't have a case'. The viewing of the tape may shatter the artist's confidence, as four years ago he pleaded not guilty on 14 counts of child pornography.