RAPPER and former N-Dubz star Dappy has been found guilty of assaulting a man in a Chelmsford nightclub this morning (June 19). See CCTV footage from Chicago's here
Dappy, 27, of St Albans, Hertfordshire, whose real name is Costadinos Contostavlos, had denied slapping George Chittock at Chicago's nightclub in the early hours of Thursday, February 27.
He was fined £800, and ordered to pay £930 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
The former Celebrity Big Brother star had been performing at the Moulsham Street club when he slapped the ex-Hylands School student, which the rapper claims he did because of comments directed toward him.
At Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today (June 19), chairman of the bench Angela Tucker said Mr Chittock was not a credible witness, but that Dappy was consistent in his evidence.
Neither could she be sure that earlier rude remarks, as detailed in court, were made by Mr Chittock.
She said: "On the third occasion, the defendant came across Mr Chittock, the defendant, surrounded by two security guards, was alerted to Mr Contostavlos' presence and the remarks caused a turn and slap from the defendant.
"The remark we believe was merely monosyllabic and no physical threat was being made.
"We are therefore satisfied that you did not need force to defend yourself and were not acting in self defence and therefore find you guilty of assault by beating."
The court heard Dappy had previous convictions for battery and possessing a bladed knife dating back to 2005.
Jon Harrison, mitigating, said: "It was no doubt a regrettable incident but one that was over very quickly and left a person a little red-faced and very very angry.
"It was an erroneous snap judgement".
Speaking before a sentence was passed, Mr Harrison claimed if Dappy was imprisoned his career would be effectively over.
He also said Mr Chittock shouldn't get compensation.
"He shouldn't profit from an altercation with someone who is a person of means"
Yesterday, the court heard that Dappy had slapped Mr Chittock because he directed a series of comments at the singer and ex-Celebrity Big Brother housemate throughout the evening, including one about his father.
