January 23, 2008 23:28

Busta Rhymes escapes prison

Rapper gets probation for assault

Busta Rhymes escapes prison

Busta Rhymes escaped a prison sentence today when he was given three years probation and community service for assault,

The rapper whose real name is Trevor Smith, appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on charges of assaulting his former driver in one incident, and a fan in another in August 2006.

In March 2007, a plea offer of probabtion for the assaults was revoked after Rhymes was arrested for driving offenses. He was then offered a follow-up deal of two years in prison and a $500 fine, which he rejected.

After several delays, a trial was due to begin this Wednesday, but after a guilty plea, the rapper received the sentence and a $1,250 fine.

He is also obliged to complete a DWI programme, as one of the charges related to driving while intoxicated.

--By our New York staff.
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