R&B singer Chris Brown has avoided jail after striking a man twice in the head with a tequila bottle in a central London club.
The 37-year-old admitted affray earlier this year after attacking a former friend with a “heavy” tequila bottle on the dance floor at the Tape private members’ club in Mayfair in February 2023.
On Monday at Southwark Crown Court, Brown was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
His vocal coach Omololu Akinlolu, 40, who joined the attack, was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and both men were ordered to pay £1,500 costs.
The pair stood up and faced one another and clasped hands after the judge concluded his sentencing remarks before walking out the glass dock.
In front of a packed public gallery, the singer, who was wearing a black leather jacket, sat looking at the floor in the dock for much of the hearing.
There were loud cheers outside Southwark Crown Court as Chris Brown left the building as he appeared to stop to sign an autograph and even blow a kiss to a fan.
A court artist sketch of Chris Brown appearing in the dock alongside Omololu Akinlolu (right) at Southwark Crown Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA)
PA Wire
Judge Tony Baumgartner called the attack “plainly dangerous” and warned that “your fame, commercial success and professional standing do not entitle you to special treatment” in court.
In sentencing, he said: “The repeated use of a glass bottle in that way, especially aimed at the head, was plainly dangerous, it carried the risk of delivering a more serious injury than was ultimately sustained.”
CCTV footage was shown where Brown struck Abraham Diaw four times with the bottle, connecting twice with his head, and then hitting his shoulder.
Heidi Stonecliffe KC, prosecuting, told the court Brown used a “heavy square-shaped tequila bottle” to “hit Mr Diaw twice over the left-hand side of his head”.
He then rained down “further blows” as Mr Diaw turned away, the court heard.
Ms Stonecliffe said that Akinlolu then grabbed Mr Diaw in a “bear hug”.
She said: “Mr Diaw falls to the ground and Mr Brown is also seen throwing punches.”
In another clip, Brown from California, US, could be seen being “pulled away” from the victim.
The incident lasted around 20 seconds and started at around 3am, the court heard.
Judge Baumgartner said that while the violence only lasted a “short period” it was “nevertheless serious violence by two people in a crowded nightclub”.
Judge Tony Baumgartner during Brown’s sentencing (PA)
PA Wire
He said: “Violence of this kind in a crowded nightclub is serious. It creates an obvious risk not only to the person at whom it’s directed but also to others nearby.”
He added that Brown’s conduct was “particularly dangerous” and that he had to be “physically pulled away” from the attack.
Mr Diaw was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in London after the incident.
Ms Stonecliffe KC said he was discharged with “pain relief and a diagnosis of head injury and superficial injury of the knee”.
An MRI scan taken in early March showed a “high grade injury to a ligament on the inner side of the left knee”, the court heard.
Defending Brown, Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, said there was a “relatively low level of force” and disputed how significant the injuries were.
Mr Diaw, the victim, was “not supportive of the prosecution” and in fact “withdrew” his support some time after the incident, the court heard.
Ms Bennett-Jenkins added that Brown “offers a profound apology” to all those present at the private members’ club in central London.
She said: “This is an ugly and unattractive incident.
“It is, however, an incident which was very short-lived, lasting something more than 17 seconds but no more than 20.”
Omololu Akinlolu arriving at Southwark Crown Court (James Manning/PA)
PA Wire
They also said that Brown had felt that Mr Diaw presented “some sort of threat” and disputed the nature and extent of his relationship to the victim.
At earlier hearings, Brown was ordered to pay a £5 million security fee as part of his bail conditions, which also allowed him to go on a world tour as long as he surrendered his passport on arrival in each country.
Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to beating his former girlfriend, pop star Rihanna.
Brown admitted at Los Angeles Superior Court to one count of felony assault relating to an incident that occurred hours before the pair were due to perform at the Grammy Awards.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “This was an inexcusable attack that put a man in hospital.
“It has taken several years to secure this result for the victim and the wider public and I am grateful to the detectives who worked on this lengthy investigation.
“Despite the passage of time and the fact the suspects were no longer in the UK, we were determined that those responsible should face justice.
“Violence will not be accepted on the streets of London. Regardless of an individual’s profile or status, we will pursue those responsible and work tirelessly to bring them before the courts.”
Claire Campbell, Senior Crown Prosecutor in CPS London South said: “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack by Brown and Akinlolu in a crowded nightclub where Brown used a glass bottle as a weapon to strike the victim’s head twice.
“This kind of violence is entirely unacceptable, and the Crown Prosecution Service will work tirelessly – with the police and partners across the criminal justice system – to pursue cases like this, and prove that no one is above the law.”