Mel B's 'abusive' ex granted supervised visitation with their daughter

Melanie Janine Brown's estranged husband Stephen Belafonte has been granted access to their daughter Madison amid bitter divorce battle.

In a court hearing in Los Angeles, the 41-year-old producer was given monitored visitation rights to their five-year-old, Metro.co.uk reported.

The Judge also extended the 41-year-old singer's temporary restraining order against Belafonte, following her claims he domestically abused her during their 10 year marriage and forced her into group sex.

The Judge ordered that Belafonte can see Madison twice a week at a supervised centre.

The former Spice Girl had opposed visitation rights, with her lawyer Larry Bakman telling the court that "This man represents a continuing danger to the child" and that he is a "convicted domestic violence offender" with an "extensive criminal history."

He also claimed that Belafonte was "involved in adult pornography" and the "importation of women from other countries" to work in the industry as well as "possible money laundering."

Meanwhile, Belafonte's lawyer Grace Jamra said the allegations levelled against him were part of "an ongoing smear campaign."

Brown, who got married to Belafonte in Las Vegas in June 2007, filed for divorce on March 20, citing "irreconcilable differences."

Days after filing for divorce, she was given a temporary restraining order following her accusations of domestic abuse.

A preliminary hearing has been fixed for August 18, with the full divorce hearing due to begin on September 25.