Romeo's clubland ban

Rap star Romeo was today banned from London's clubland over his alleged involvement in a horrific knife attack.

The performer, whose real name is Marvin Dawkins, is accused of taking part in the stabbing at 4am in the West End eight days ago.

The 24-year-old former member of garage group So Solid Crew appeared at Southwark Crown Court with his brothers Julian and Nathan and friend Thomas Engola.

All four face charges of violent disorder and wounding Ejay Armstrong on 8 August.

Judge George Bathurst-Norman allowed the performer bail but he told Dawkins: "I am minded to grant bail but only on very stringent terms." The rapper, who recently appeared on the television challenge The Games, was told he must abide by a 7pm to 7am curfew at his home in Rotherhithe.

He was also warned not to contact witnesses and not go to the W1 and WC2 areas of London.

The judge told the singer's defence team: "Make it clear to him if he breaks these conditions or an officer turns up and finds he is breaking the curfew, he is back inside." The court heard how the argument started between two drivers trying to leave a car park behind Shaftesbury Avenue fire station. The driver of a Fiat Punto called for help and between six and eight people became involved.

Mr Armstrong suffered a 16-cm gash from his right ear to his chin and other surface wounds.

The four men only spoke to identify themselves as their names were read by the court clerk.

Nathan Dawkins, 18, of Southfields, south-west London, was remanded on bail until 27 September. Julian Dawkins, 26, of Canada Wharf, and 27-year-old Engola, from Battersea, were remanded in custody although the court was told a bail application would be made at a later date. The rapper has had a a successful solo career. His song I See Gulls was recently used in a Lynx advertising campaign.

He had been remanded in custody by magistrates a week ago.