Busta Rhymes facing four trials
Busta Rhymes is due in court again in September
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Wednesday, 11, Jul 2007 07:43
Rapper Busta Rhymes is facing four separate trials over assault and driving charges after turning down a plea deal yesterday.
During a hearing at a Manhattan court the Grammy-nominated star again rejected an offer by prosecutors which, if accepted, would have seen him sent to jail for a year in exchange for pleading guilty to all four charges.
His lawyer Scott Leemon said that the same offer had been made at the artist's last court appearance – describing it as "one which Busta adamantly rejects".
Prosecutors also lost their bid to consolidate four separate cases against the rapper, although the presiding judge at yesterday's hearing gave no public explanation for the decision and court papers remain secret on the grounds that they detail the strategy of Rhymes' defence.
The 34-year-old star, whose real name is Trevor Smith, has been arrested four times in less than a year.
He was last detained on May 3rd on suspicion of drink driving, while he was also arrested earlier this year for driving on a suspended licence.
In addition Rhymes faces two assault charges, including one which relates to an alleged attack on his personal driver.
Despite now facing a series of court appearances, the rapper appeared to be jubilant following yesterday's hearing.
According to reports the star, whose hits include Dangerous and Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See, gave his lawyer a 'high-five' slap following the judge's decision and also kissed a courtroom sketch artist on the cheek as he left the hearing.
Rhymes will next appear in court on September 5th, when the four cases against him will begin.