A member of a German girl group originally created by the country's version of the 'Popstars' TV show has been formally charged over those previously reported allegations that she deliberately spread the HIV virus. Nadja Benaissa of No Angels is accused of having unprotected sex with three men without telling them she had been diagnosed as HIV positive.

Benaissa was originally arrested in relation to the allegations last April. She's denied the claims ever since, but has now been formally charged with causing grievous bodily harm. At least one of her sexual partners is known to have contracted the disease.

Confirming the charges, a German prosecutor told reporters: "She was well aware that any unprotected sexual contact can lead to the virus being passed on".

If found guilty, Benaissa could face between six and ten years in jail.