KERRY Katona's estranged husband has appeared in court today following allegations he attacked the TV personality.

George Kay, of Hollybank, Moore, is accused of assaulting the Atomic Kitten singer in the home they once shared in Crowborough, East Sussex, on October 3.

The 36-year-old was charged by Sussex Police with assault by beating and possessing a banned weapon, relating to a Taser-style instrument disguised as a torch.

Brighton Magistrates' Court heard he also faces a third charge of possessing a bladed article, relating to a hunting knife found in a wardrobe.

No pleas were entered and District Judge Teresa Szagun freed Kay on bail with a number of conditions, including that he makes no contact with Katona unless via an agreed third party or a solicitor.

He will appear at Lewes Crown Court on January 11.

Since the alleged incident, Katona announced the couple had split.

In an interview with OK! magazine this month, she said breaking up was 'hard' but it was 'the right thing to do'.

She said: “George was with me 24/7. It’s like somebody has died. He was my best friend.”

But she added: “There is no going back with George and me.”