BUSTA RHYMES - BUSTA RHYMES AVOIDS JAIL

Rapper Busta Rhymes has avoided a prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges of assault and drink driving.

The 35-year-old was given three years' probation at a New York City hearing yesterday in connection with assaulting his former driver and, in a separate incident, attacking a fan in August 2006.

He is alleged to have assaulted the fan after they reportedly spat on his car at a music festival.

Rhymes - real name Trevor Smith - saw a plea offer of probation for the assaults revoked in May 2007 after he was arrested on a drink-driving charge, reportedly telling police he had drunk a single shot of cognac.

At yesterday's hearing, he was given the three-year probation order as well as community service and a $1,250 (£638) fine.

The hip-hop star and actor has been ordered to stay away from his former driver whom he pleaded guilty to assaulting during a pay dispute.

As one of the charges relates to driving under the influence of alcohol, he has been ordered to attend an alcohol education programme and his driving licence has been suspended for six months.

"I just want to say that I'm very grateful to the judge, and I'm very grateful to the system," Rhymes said while leaving Manhattan criminal court.

"I believe in the system."