Chris Brown receives suspended prison sentence for London nightclub bottle attack

Chris Brown has received a suspended prison sentence for attacking a former friend with a tequila bottle at a private members’ club in central London. The 37-year-old R&B singer, who admitted affray earlier this year, was sentenced at Southwark crown court on Monday, October 26, over the February 2023 incident.

The court imposed an eight-month prison term, suspended for 12 months. Brown’s vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, 40, was also sentenced for joining the attack. He received a four-month prison term, likewise suspended for 12 months. Both men were ordered to pay £1,500 in costs.

The attack took place on the dancefloor of Tape, a private members’ club in Mayfair, at about 3am. The court heard that the incident lasted approximately 20 seconds. CCTV footage played during the hearing showed Brown striking Abraham Diaw four times with the bottle, with two blows connecting with his head before a blow struck his shoulder.

Prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe KC described the object Brown used as a “heavy square-shaped tequila bottle”. She told the court that he struck Diaw twice on the left side of his head, then continued delivering blows while Diaw turned away. The footage was shown as the court considered the circumstances of the assault.

Stonecliffe said Akinlolu then seized Diaw in a “bear hug”. Describing what followed, she told the court: “Mr Diaw falls to the ground and Mr Brown is also seen throwing punches.” A separate video clip showed Brown, who is from California, being pulled away from Diaw.

Passing sentence, Judge Baumgartner focused on the danger posed by repeatedly using a glass bottle to strike someone, particularly when the blows were directed at the head. He described the attack as “plainly dangerous” and said it could have caused injuries more serious than those Diaw ultimately sustained.

The judge also addressed Brown’s professional standing, warning that “commercial success does not attract preferential treatment” in court. His remarks accompanied the sentencing of the singer and his vocal coach for their roles in the club attack.

The public gallery was packed for the hearing. Brown remained in the dock, looking down at the floor for much of the proceedings as the court heard details of the attack and handed down the suspended sentences.