Scary Spice settles custody battle

Mel B married Jimmy Gulzar in 1998

LONDON, England -- Spice Girl Mel B ended her custody battle with her estranged husband Jimmy Gulzar on Friday but kept mum about the outcome of the three-day private hearing.

The couple, who are set to divorce next month, would only say through their lawyers they had "settled their differences" over the care of their young daughter.

The British singer known as Scary Spice and the Dutch dancer had originally agreed on Gulzar seeing 20-month-old Phoenix Chi every other weekend.

But he asked the High Court's Family Division, in London, for access every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and at all times when Mel is out of the country.

A statement issued on behalf of the couple after the hearing said: "The differences between the parties concerning the welfare and upbringing of their daughter have been settled to their mutual satisfaction and for her benefit."

Gulzar, 33, met Mel in 1998 when he was hired for a Spice Girls world tour. They split in January after a brief and stormy marriage.

Gulzar told the Sun tabloid last month the relationship broke down because she had cosmetic surgery that stopped her breast-feeding the baby.

The singer, whose real name is Melanie Brown, told the Mirror newspaper the breakup was so painful it nearly killed her.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Gulzar has been charged with assault.

Police confirmed that a 33-year-old entertainer had been bailed to appear before Highbury Magistrates Court, in north London, on October 27. He is charged with common assault on a woman of 19.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Mel B

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