Heather Mills barred from grilling Paul McCartney over "violent behavior"

Heather Mills is to be banned from questioning estranged husband Sir Paul McCartney in court over his alleged violent behavior towards her during their four years of marriage, it has been revealed.

Heather, 40, arrived at London's High Court sporting a pinstriped suit and bright red shirt, looking upbeat - despite the ban, which could have an adverse affect on her case.

The former glamor model, who is representing herself in court after splitting from her legal team last year, is expected to begin cross-examining the former Beatle later on today in a legal battle to decide the size of her divorce payout.

But Mr Justice Bennett, the High Court judge who will decide the size of Mills' divorce settlement, is expected to rule that claims of violence are irrelevant in determining how much money Sir Paul should pay his ex-wife.

In divorce papers leaked last year, the former porn star accused Sir Paul, 65, of being violent towards her on four occasions, including being stabbed in the arm with a broken wine glass. The music legend - worth an estimated $1.6bn - vehemently denied the allegations.

A legal source told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper today: "The court does not like to air dirty linen in public. What people have done wrong in a marriage is not going to weigh on a judge's mind in deciding the size of a payout."

Heather, who is planning to flee the UK as soon as the bitter divorce battle reaches a conclusion, is reportedly demanding a $120 million cash pay out, along with at least two homes, two nannies, medical cover, a personal trainer, household staff and a secretary.

She claims marrying Paul destroyed her life and she has become the victim of a vicious hate campaign by Beatles fans.

The case was due to conclude today but Mr Justice Bennett is understood to have made space available in his court diary allowing it to run into next week.