Jones does not appear on assault charge

British footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones did not appear in court today to face assault charges after a bar brawl in the United States.

The actor was treated in hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota earlier this month for head and nose injuries after reportedly being hit in the face with a beer glass when a fight broke out in Wiley’s Tavern in the town.

He did not appear at Minnehaha County Court this morning for an arraignment hearing but his legal team requested a dispositional conference where lawyers can discuss a plea bargain or settlement.

He entered no formal plea but court staff said that his legal team indicated he could plead not guilty at the next hearing which has been set for January 21, 2009.