Kanye West has pleaded not guilty to assault, theft and vandalism charges in connection with a fracas with a paparazzi photographer at Los Angeles International Airport last year.

The rapper was not present at the Los Angeles court hearing yesterday (May 18) and his lawyer Blair Berk entered the plea on his behalf.

The 31-year-old star was arrested on September 11, 2008 after seemingly smashing a photographer's camera flash while inside the American Airlines terminal.

TMZ.com obtained the potentially damning video which apparently shows West breaking the camera in a fit of rage.

West's road manager Dan Crawley was also charged with two counts of vandalism, assault and theft for his involvement in the alleged attack.

The next hearing will take place on July 15.

West could face up to two-and-a-half years behind bars if convicted of the crimes, while Dan Crawley could be jailed for five years.

(by Scott Colothan)