50 Cent Faces Trial Over Assault

LATEST: 50 CENT is being sued by a British fan who claims he was smashed in the face and knocked unconscious when the rapper hurled a microphone into the crowd.

TOM WILSHIRE, 18, was left with a cut and bruised face when the IN DA CLUB singer launched the item into the audience at England's Reading Festival last month (29AUG04) - in angry response to the aggressive bottle-throwing rock fans.

Police are investigating Wilshire's claims and the rapper - real name CURTIS JACKSON - could face a criminal trial in Britain if cops decide to prosecute.

Wilshire - who lives in Chippenham, Wiltshire, England - has also enlisted the help of lawyers to launch a civil compensation claim.

He says, "My legs went from under me and I was out for about 10 seconds.

"I'm not thinking about how much I could get in case nothing comes of it. I hope it wouldn't go to court, I would hope for a settlement."