Officer in bartender beating to appear in court

A Chicago police officer who was allegedly captured on videotape beating a bartender after she refused to serve him is scheduled to appear in court.

Anthony Abbate was to attend his status hearing set for Wednesday. A tavern security camera shows a police officer pummeling a bartender half his size in February 2007. The footage spread worldwide, giving the beleaguered police department another black eye.

Abbate eventually was charged with aggravated battery. He has pleaded not guilty.

His trial was to begin in December, but it was delayed. A judge's gag order has prevented anyone from talking publicly about the case.