Chris Brown avoids jail with suspended sentence over 2023 London nightclub bottle attack

Chris Brown has avoided jail after being handed an eight-month suspended sentence at London’s Southwark Crown Court for affray over a 2023 nightclub attack on music producer Abe Diaw.

Brown, 37, pleaded guilty to affray in July over the incident at Tape nightclub in Mayfair in February 2023, after which prosecutors dropped more serious charges including attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, assault and possessing an offensive weapon. (Daily Sabah / AP)

Sentencing on Monday, Judge Tony Baumgartner said Brown had been holding a tequila bottle in his right hand when he reached Diaw and struck him on the left side of the head while holding his hood. The repeated use of a glass bottle aimed at the head was “plainly dangerous” and carried the risk of a more serious injury than was ultimately sustained, the judge said. (The Sun / PA)

Prosecutors said Brown played a leading role in the attack, which lasted about 20 seconds, striking Diaw several times with the bottle before chasing him across the bar. Brown’s lawyer, Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, told the court the incident was “ugly and unattractive” but short-lived, and that Brown offered a profound apology to everyone present.

Brown’s vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, 40, who also admitted affray, was handed a suspended sentence as well. Affray carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison in England and Wales.