TROUBLED FORMER SOUL TRAIN HOST DON CORNELIUS TOLD TO HAND OVER HIS GUNS.

A judge has demanded American TV presenter/producer DON CORNELIUS turn over his firearms after slapping him with a protective order days after he was charged with spousal abuse. Cornelius was additionally charged with dissuading a witness from filing a police report and assault with a deadly weapon on Friday (14Nov08), following a dispute with his wife.

The 72-year-old former host and creator of muisc TV hit Soul Train was arrested in October (08) after cops were called to the Hollywood Hills home he shares with his wife Victoria. The Los Angeles City Attorney charged him with five misdemeanour offences, including three counts of abusing Victoria.

The couple's correspondence has been limited to "peaceful contact" in the new court order. Cornelius faces five years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to return to court on 4 December (08).

What a shame! First he loses his empire, his TV and award show, his wife and now his freedom?