Tulisa Contostavlos drugs trial set for July 14

Former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos will stand trial on a drugs charge the day after her 26th birthday, a judge has ruled.

This morning she made her first appearance at London's Southwark Crown Court accused of brokering a cocaine deal and was told that her trial is expected to take place on July 14.

The N-Dubz star is charged with helping an undercover reporter obtain 13.9g (0.5oz) of the Class A drug for £860.

Dressed in a black jacket and skirt, she appeared alongside rapper Mike GLC, also known as Michael Coombs, 35, for a 10-minute preliminary hearing.The pair spoke only to confirm their names and say that they understood the current timetable.There will also be a case management hearing on March 27.