Disorderly conduct charges dropped against Paul Simon, wife Edie Brickell in Connecticut

NEW CANAAN (WABC) -- Prosecutors in Connecticut are declining to proceed with the disorderly conduct case against Paul Simon and his wife Edie Brickell.

The couple had been scheduled to be in court Tuesday, but they did not appear.

Under the terms of the decision, Simon and Brickell must not get arrested for the next 13 months. If either are, prosecutors retain the right to reopen the case.

A police report says the 48-year-old Brickell and the 72-year-old Simon became physical with each other during an April 26 argument inside a cottage on their property in New Canaan.

Brickell told police that he shoved her and that she slapped him. The report says that Simon suffered a superficial cut to his ear, and that Brickell, who smelled of alcohol, had a bruise on her wrist.

Both said in court April 28 that they did not consider the other a threat, and no protective order was issued.

"We're fine. We had an argument. We're fine, it's over," Simon said.

Authorities had said previously that the charges would most likely be dropped, and there are counseling courses that can be taken.

This was the first incident like this at the residence, and the chief of police says they are nice, low-key residents.

Simon is a 12-time Grammy winner and member of The Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - as half of the duo of Simon and Garfunkel and as a solo artist.

In March, he wrapped up a national tour with Sting. Most recently, Simon performed at the 25th anniversary of the Rainforest Fund benefit concert in New York on April 17.

Brickell is perhaps best known for the song "What I Am," recorded with her band the New Bohemians and released in 1988.

She collaborated last year with comedian Steve Martin, who has an acclaimed career as a folk musician, for the roots album "Love Has Come For You." The pair won a Grammy for best American Roots song in January. The two are touring and are due to perform next on May 9.

Simon and Brickell were married in 1992. They have three children together.