BUSTA RHYMES - BUSTA RHYMES ESCAPES JAIL

Troubled rapper BUSTA RHYMES has escaped jail after a judge handed him a fine and three years probation on charges of assault and driving under the influence. The hip-hop star, real name Trevor Smith, entered a plea of not guilty to four separate charges, according to TMZ.com. Two assault charges relate to separate incidents in 2006 after the star was accused of beating fan LeBron James on Randall's Island, New York in July (06) and his driver Eddie Hatchett in December (06). The judge sentenced Smith to three years probation - he will spend a year in jail if he violates the terms - and also issued an order of protection for the victims. Smith was fined $750 (GBP350) and ordered to enrol in a drunk-driving program relating to the DUI charge. And the final charge - driving with a suspended licence - will see the rapper give up his driver's licence for six months. The driving charges relate to two incidents last year (07). Last February (07), he was arrested for driving on a suspended license and aggravated driving, then three months later (May07), he was stopped again and charged with driving while ability impaired and driving while intoxicated.