Brand Due In Court For 'Throwing iPhone'

Russell Brand may face a six-month prison sentence for allegedly throwing a photographer's iPhone through a window in the US city of New Orleans - although if convicted it is more likely he will be let off with a fine.

The star of Get Him To The Greek and Arthur, among others, is scheduled to have his case heard before a judge, according to the New Orleans Municipal Court.

It is unclear if Brand himself will appear, or whether his lawyer will be allowed to enter a plea on his behalf.

New Orleans police arrested Brand in March after a photographer accused the comedian of grabbing his iPhone and tossing it through a window, breaking the glass in a downtown lawyer's office.

At the time, bail was set at $5,000 for Brand and he was released shortly after his arrest.

District attorney's office spokesman Christopher Bowman said Brand has been charged with one count of misdemeanour criminal damage to property.

The charge of simple criminal damage to property valued under $500 carries a potential penalty of up to six months in prison - and/or a $500 fine.

People familiar with similar cases say it is unlikely Brand, if convicted, will face jail time.

This is not the maverick film star's first brush with the law.

In 2010, he was arrested for an alleged attack on a paparazzo at a Los Angeles airport, and last year, he was deported from Japan over his criminal history when he tried to visit his then-wife Katy Perry on her concert tour in the country.