Weapon charge is denied by Johnson (From Barry And District News)

Weapon charge is denied by Johnson

TEEN singer Charlotte Church's ex-boyfriend denied having a kung-fu style illegal weapon at Barry Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Nineteen-year-old Steven Johnson is accused of having a set of nunchucks hidden in his car when it was searched at the Knap by police officers.

He denies the charge claiming the weapon - two pieces of wood linked by a steel chain - did not belong to him.

Johnson, dressed in jeans and a suit jacket, spoke only to confirm his name and address, during a brief hearing.

His solicitor, Marilyn Bishop, said: "The issues in the case are that it was not his weapon and he was not aware it was there."

Model Johnson was parked at a seaside beauty spot in his Alfa-Romeo car when police arrived on the scene.

Magistrates previously heard police searched his car because they were suspected Johnson and his pals were using illegal drugs

Prosecutor Christine Newport said: "The defendant was with some other people parked in an Alfa Romeo when officers approached.

"It was believed there was a need for a search because there was a smell of controlled drugs - but none were found.

"A set of nunchucks were found in the vehicle under the passenger seat where the defendant was sitting."

Johnson, who had a 21-month relationship with the Voice of an Angel singer, spent a night in police cells after being arrested in the town.

Magistrates adjourned the case until May 12 and Johnson of Butetown, Cardiff, was released on bail.

A spokesman for Johnson said later: "Steven intends to fight this charge - he has a clean record and wants to keep it that way.

"He has every hope of proving his innocence when he returns to court."

Johnson was ditched by millionaire Charlotte, 18, after she accused him of cheating on her.

She is now dating trainee hotel manager Kyle Johnson, 19, who is also from Cardiff but no relation to her former boyfriend.