Rap star DMX makes guilty pleas

The US rapper has repeatedly fallen foul of the authorities

US rap star DMX has pleaded guilty to multiple drug possession, theft and animal cruelty charges as part of a deal to settle three cases against him.

The 38-year-old - whose real name is Earl Simmons - also agreed not to own any animals or possess firearms.

He faces a minimum of 90 days in jail when he returns to an Arizona court for sentencing on 30 January.

"I am pleased that this defendant will be held accountable," said county attorney Andrew Thomas in a statement.

The rapper, whose albums include Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood and Year of the Dog... Again, has been arrested several times in Arizona in the past year, where he has a home near Phoenix.

Probation

In May, he was arrested on drug and animal cruelty charges arising from a raid on his house in August 2007, when authorities found dog carcasses and malnourished pit bulls.

Simmons briefly barricaded himself in his bedroom before surrendering.

Police officers said they also found marijuana at his home.

In April, the star was charged with assuming someone's identity and providing false information during a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.

He has missed several court appearances over the course of the year, leading to the issue of warrants for his arrest.

The star appeared in handcuffs and a black-and-white striped prison uniform during his court appearance on Tuesday.

He will remain in jail until sentencing and will not be given credit for time already served.

If he violates probation after his jail term, the rapper could face more than 10 years in prison.

His attorney Charles Kozelka could not be reached for comment.