R Kelly Child-Porn Trial to Begin Next Month

R Kelly will go on trial in Illinois in September, more than five years after the R&B star was charged with child pornography.

A judge has set a September 17 date for the start of a jury trial, according to the Cook County state's attorney's office.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on its website that setting of the date followed a lengthy meeting yesterday among the judge, the lead prosecutor, the star and his lawyers.

Kelly, who was born Robert Sylvester Kelly, has pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of child pornography.

He was charged in 2002 and is accused of allegedly engaging in videotaped sex acts with an underage girl.

Kelly's attorneys have not conceded that he is on the tape, saying his likeness may have been computer generated.

They have also tried to raise doubts about the identity and age of the girl.

The case has been hit with delay after delay.

Since being charged, Kelly has had six best-selling albums and three US tours.

The 40-year-old singer has said he will survive his legal tribulations.