Dappy Found Guilty Of Assault

19 June 2014, 15:36 | Updated: 19 June 2014, 15:40

Former N-Dubz singer Dappy, from St Albans, has been given an £800 fine for assaulting a man in a nightclub in February.

The 27-year-old, who appeared on the court list under his real name Dino Costas Contostavlos, had denied attacking George Chittock in the early hours of February 27 during a public appearance at Chicago's nightclub in Chelmsford.

Dappy claimed he lashed out in self-defence.

But he was convicted by magistrates at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

Chair of the bench Angela Tucker said the magistrates had found Contostavlos was not under any physical threat at the time of the incident.

He held is head in his hands as the verdict was delivered.

Summing up the case, prosecutor Jacqueline Carey had told the court: "It is no defence for anybody, celebrity or otherwise, to say 'I lashed out because he was rude to me'.''

The court was read details of Contostavlos's criminal record, including a six-month suspended sentence for affray and assault in February 2012.

A trial last year heard how he sparked a "mob-handed attack'' when he spat at Grace Cochran and Serena Burton, who were both 19, at a filling station in Guildford.

Mitigating, Mr Harrison said: "It was no doubt a regrettable incident but one that was over very quickly and left a person red faced and very, very angry.

"He is a polarising figure who is clearly liked by a great many people but he is equally disliked by many others.''

Referring to his client's ability to pay a fine or compensation, he said his client is well paid but his earnings are sporadic and he is currently awaiting a five-figure payment.

But he added that Contostavlos's finances were limited by a recent tax settlement.