White Stripes frontman Jack White is holding fast to his claim that he beat up Von Bondies frontman Jason Stollsteimer in self-defense during a December 13 brawl at a Detroit night club.

Wednesday morning (January 14) in Detroit's 36th District Court, White pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor aggravated assault charge and was given a trial date of March 9.

The charge was filed against White on December 23 following a 10-day investigation, and police allowed White to turn himself in (see [article id="1483871"]"Jack White Turns Himself In To Police"[/article]). Officials arraigned him, took his mug shot and released him on $100 bond.

The fight took place at the Magic Stick during an album-release party for alt-country rockers Blanche (see [article id="1481112"]"Jack White Brawls With Fellow Garage Rocker At Detroit Club"[/article]). Witnesses interviewed by police said White tried to talk to Stollsteimer, who refused to listen. Then White allegedly spit in his face, threw him to the ground and repeatedly punched him in the face.

Stollsteimer suffered severe bruising, a bloody nose and a torn retina, which required surgery. His sight has since improved, but his vision is still not 100 percent, his manager said.

If convicted, White could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. But a spokesperson for the prosecution said that since White has no criminal history, he would probably only receive probation.

White's attorney did not return calls.