LONDON, UK. (THECOUNT) — Chris Brown, 37, of Virginia, pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of affray stemming from a 2023 attack on music producer Abraham Diaw inside a London nightclub. Brown entered the plea alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, AKA, HoodyBaby, according to Southwark Crown Court officials.
London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. The criminal case stems from an incident that occurred at Tape nightclub in London’s upscale Mayfair district in February 2023.
|
Advertisement |
Prosecutors alleged Brown and Akinlolu used or threatened unlawful violence toward Diaw during the altercation. The two admitted that their conduct was such that it would cause a person of reasonable firmness to fear for their personal safety.
The guilty pleas were entered Friday before London’s Southwark Crown Court. Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 26.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the more serious charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm, as well as a lesser charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Akinlolu, who performs professionally under the stage name HoodyBaby, is a rapper and longtime associate of Brown. He has also worked as Brown’s vocal coach and touring collaborator over the years.
Under United Kingdom law, affray carries a maximum prison sentence of three years. However, sentencing can vary considerably depending on the circumstances of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and mitigating factors, including a guilty plea. British courts may impose penalties ranging from fines and community orders to suspended sentences or imprisonment.
Because Brown pleaded guilty and prosecutors dropped the more serious charges, the court will consider those factors when determining an appropriate sentence at the October hearing.
If Brown receives a custodial sentence, he would serve it within the United Kingdom prison system because the conviction arises from a criminal prosecution in London. Any prison placement would be determined by British correctional authorities following sentencing.
The case stems from allegations that Brown assaulted Diaw during an incident at Tape nightclub more than three years ago. British prosecutors ultimately proceeded on the affray charge after reaching an agreement that resolved the remaining counts against both defendants.
Brown, one of the best-selling R&B artists of his generation, has faced multiple legal issues throughout his career. The London conviction marks the latest high-profile criminal proceeding involving the Grammy Award-winning singer.
DEVELOPING::