NEW YORK — Busta Rhymes received a three-year probation sentence Tuesday for assaulting his former driver and a fan.
Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, must also perform 10 days of community service and pay a $1,250 fine, plus court costs. He must enroll in a drunken driving program.
The 35-year-old rapper stood accused of beating his former driver, Edward Hatchett, 39, on Dec. 26 “with a closed fist about the head and neck” and kicking him in the ribs and torso. He was was also charged with assaulting a fan who allegedly spit on his car following an Aug. 12 concert.
Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Larry Stephen warned the rapper to stay out of trouble, the Associated Press reports.
“If you mess up, you’re going to jail,” Stephen said. “I’ve given you a chance.”
Rhymes said keeping on the straight and narrow won’t be a problem.
“I have no trouble being a good dude because that’s what I am,” he said.
“I couldn’t feel better, and this couldn’t have happened at a better time,” Rhymes added. “I thank the judge for giving me a chance and I thank everybody for being supportive.”
