London Court: R&B Star Given Suspended Sentence for Club Attack

The courtroom at Southwark Crown Court fell silent on Monday as Judge Tony Baumgartner read the verdict for the singer and his vocal coach.

Chris Brown, 37, was handed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for his role in a fight at Tape nightclub in Mayfair. His vocal coach, rapper Omololu Akinlolu, received a similar four-month suspended term. Both men had previously pleaded guilty to affray and were ordered to pay £1,500 in court costs.

The incident occurred in the early hours of February 19, 2023, when Brown approached music producer Abraham Diaw on the dance floor. CCTV footage played in court showed Brown striking Diaw four times with a heavy, square-shaped tequila bottle. Two of those blows connected with Diaw's head, while the others hit his shoulder. Akinlolu then punched the victim in the head as Diaw attempted to flee.

Judge Baumgartner described the violence as "intense" and "plainly dangerous," noting that the use of a glass bottle aimed at the head carried a risk of serious injury. He stated that Brown had to be physically pulled away from the victim. The judge emphasized that the singer's fame did not entitle him to special treatment, applying the law equally to everyone in the crowded club.

The attack lasted no more than 20 seconds, according to the prosecutor, Heidi Stonecliffe KC. Diaw was taken to St Mary's Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a head injury and a superficial knee injury. An MRI scan later revealed a high-grade injury to a ligament on the inner side of his left knee. The defence argued that the force used was relatively low and that there were no fractures or broken skin.

Brown's lawyer, Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, apologized to those present in the club, calling the incident "ugly and unattractive" but "short-lived." She described Brown as a dedicated father of four and noted that he had lived a law-abiding life since his last conviction in 2013. The judge considered Brown's guilty plea, his compliance with bail conditions, and the impact a custodial sentence would have on his children before deciding on the suspended term.

Akinlolu's lawyer explained that he genuinely believed Brown was under attack when he joined the fight. The two men clasped hands after the sentencing before walking out of the glass dock. Outside, crowds cheered as Brown left the building, pausing briefly to sign an autograph. Brown later shared a video on his Instagram story, giving a thumbs-up from inside his car.

Brown avoided immediate imprisonment, meaning he will only serve the time if he commits another offence during the 12-month suspension period. The more serious charges of assault and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm were dropped after the guilty pleas were entered in July.