Basketball star on sex charge

A basketball star adored by fans and sponsors for his wholesome image was formally charged with sexual assault yesterday for an alleged attack on a hotel worker.

Kobe Bryant, 24, who is a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, was the youngest player in the National Basketball League. The 6ft 6in (almost 2 metres) athlete helped power the side to championships in the past three seasons, making him one of America's most marketable sports figures.

He could be jailed for four years if he is convicted of assaulting a front desk worker at a Colorado resort.

Mr Bryant acknowledged in a statement yesterday that he had had sex with the woman, who is 19. But he denied the charge of sexual assault.

"I did not assault the woman who is accusing me. I made the mistake of adultery. I have to answer to my wife and my God for my actions that night and I pray that both will forgive me," he said.

A separate statement by Mr Bryant's wife said she forgave him and believed in his innocence.

Yesterday's decision by the Colorado authorities to press charges sets the stage for a high-profile trial. They took more than two weeks to make the decision, while Mr Bryant's private life and the mental state of his accuser were scrutinised.