Devar Hurd, 37, denied charges of felony stalking, harassment and misdemeanour criminal contempt, stemming from the alleged breach of a restraining order, and the singer was called to testify during his trial in New York City.

After two days of deliberations, he was convicted of nine counts, including criminal contempt and harassment, but the jury was deadlocked on the felony stalking charge.

Hurd faces a prison sentence when his punishment is handed out at a hearing on 23 October (15), but could walk free on time already served because he has been in custody since his arrest two years ago, according to the New York Post.

Justice Roger Hayes declared a mistrial on the stalking charge, but prosecutors declared they intend to retry him.

The judge also denied a request for Hurd to be released on bail.

During the trial, Ashanti alleged Hurd had harassed her for years, telling the Manhattan court she felt "really nervous and scared of exactly what he's capable of doing to myself and my family".