Sevenoaks rapper Dizzee Rascal denies assaulting former partner at London address
13:46, 03 September 2021
updated: 19:52, 06 September 2021
Award-winning rapper Dizzee Rascal has denied headbutting his former partner after appearing in court today.
The artist, who lives in Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, was arrested and charged with assaulting Cassandra Jones at an address in London, in June.
The 36-year-old, whose real name is Dylan Mills, appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court wearing a suit and tie and spoke only to confirm his name, address and to enter his not guilty plea.
The court heard the trial will involve evidence from several witnesses, including the complainant, her mother, Mills and his manager who was phoned shortly after the incident.
Iskander Fernandez, representing the Mercury Prize winner, said: "There's an extra witness: the defendant's tour manager will also give evidence.
"He received a phone call shortly after what took place."
Chair of magistrates Alan Hutchings adjourned the matter for trial to take place in February next year.
He said: "You are granted bail with conditions to next appear on February 18, at 10am.
"If you do not come back to this court on that date and time you may be committing an offence where you could be fined or sent to prison."
Mills' bail conditions include that he must not contact the complainant or her mother, directly or indirectly, nor go to the road where she lives, other than for purposes of contact through solicitors in consideration of childcare.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Dylan Mills, 36, of Sevenoaks, Kent, has been charged with assault after an incident at a residential address in Streatham on June 8.
"Officers attended and a woman reported minor injuries. She did not require hospital treatment.”
The award-winning rapper was just 18 when his debut album, Boy In Da Corner, was released in 2003.
He went on to open the London 2012 Olympic and was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours last year for his services to music.
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