'Mutual violence' between Sean 'Diddy' Combs and ex-girlfriend, lawyer claims

A lawyer representing Sean "Diddy" Combs has told a court there was "mutual" domestic violence between him and his ex-girlfriend Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura.

Marc Agnifilo made the claim as he outlined some of the music star's defence case ahead of the full opening of his trial next week. Combs has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts oftransportation for prostitution.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. Ms Ventura is expected to testify as a star witness for the prosecution during the trial in New York.

The final stage of jury selection is due to be held on Monday morning. Mr Agnifilo told the court on Friday that the defence would "take the position that there was mutual violence" during the pair's relationship and called on the judge to allow evidence related to this.

The lawyer said Combs's legal team intended to argue that "there was hitting on both sides, behaviour on both sides" that constituted violence. He added: "It is relevant in terms of the coercive aspects, we are admitting domestic violence." Ms Ventura's lawyers declined to comment on the allegations.

US District Judge Arun Subramanian said he would rule on whether to allow the evidence on Monday. Combs, 55, was present in the court on Friday.

He has been held in custody in Brooklyn since his arrest last September. Prosecutors allege that Combs used his business empire for two decades to lure women with promises of romantic relationships or financial support, then violently coerced them to take part in days-long, drug-fuelled sexual performances known as "Freak Offs".

Read more:Diddy on trial: Everything you need to knowSean Combs: A timeline of allegations Combs's lawyers say prosecutors are improperly seeking to criminalise his "swinger lifestyle". They have suggested they will attack the credibility of alleged victims in the case by claiming their allegations are financially motivated.

The trial is expected to last around eight weeks..