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Singer Chris Brown has appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court today over allegations of an assault which is claimed to have taken place in 2023
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Chris Brown: Prison van leaves Manchester Magistrates' Court
Singer Chris Brown appeared in court today facing charges of grievous bodily harm with intent over an alleged assault at a London nightclub in February 2023.
The singer, 36, appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court after being arrested at a five-star hotel in the city. Chris is alleged to have been involved in a bottle attack in a London nightclub in February 2023. He had arrived in Manchester in an private jet on Wednesday afternoon and was staying at The Lowry Hotel when the Metropolitan Police arrested him shortly after 2am on Thursday.
Brown was reportedly arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm to music producer Abe Diaw at Tape nightclub in 2023 and was later charged. The court heard how Brown allegedly hit the producer with a bottle.
Adele Kelly, the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, said last night: “We have authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Chris Brown with one count of grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
“The alleged incident occurred in London on 19 February 2023. He will have his first court appearance on Friday 16 May at Manchester Magistrates’ Court. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Following his arrest on Thursday, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "A 36-year-old man was arrested at a hotel in Manchester shortly after 02:00hrs on Thursday, 15 May on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. He had been taken into custody where he remains.
"The arrest relates to an incident at a venue in Hanover Square on 19 February 2023. The investigation is being led by detectives from the Central West Area Basic Command Unit."
Jamie Roberts
Rapper's UK tour due to start days after court date
Chris Brown will appear in court just days before his tour is set to entertain UK crowds.
The rapper's upcoming tour has a number of dates planned for UK soil, with the first penned for Manchester on June 15. However, he faces a plea and trial preparation hearing on June 13 in London.
It has left his tour dates in question, with other dates including performances in Cardiff, London, Birmingham and Glasgow.
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Chris Brown due on stage same day as next court hearing
While Chris Brown's future tour is said to be in doubt, the star is currently down for taking to the stage in Germany on the day of his next court appearance.
Brown will face a plea and trial preparation hearing on June 13 with the hearing due to take place in Southwark Crown Court in London.
According to his tour dates, he is expected to appear on stage at Frankfurt's Deutsche Bank Park on the same day.
Amy Denman
Chris Brown hit producer with bottle in London nightclub attack, court hears
American R&B star Chris Brown appeared in court today charged with grievous bodily harm. The 36-year-old Loyal singer is accused of using a bottle to cause grievous bodily harm to music producer Abe Diaw during a night out at the Tape club in London's Mayfair on February 19, 2023.
Grammy winner Brown was arrested yesterday morning at Manchester's five-star Lowry Hotel after flying into the UK on a private jet to perform a series of gigs in the city, as well as concerts in London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow as part of his Breezy Bowl XX 20th anniversary tour.
But that is now up in the air after he was remanded in custody today following an appearance at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Amy Denman
CPS statement in full
On Thursday evening, Adele Kelly, the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, said: “We have authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Chris Brown, 36, with one count of grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
“The alleged incident occurred in London on February 19 2023. He will have his first court appearance on Friday May 16 at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Phil Cardy
Chris Brown arrest
The Look at Me Now singer was arrested at 2am on Thursday at the five-star Lowry hotel after he flew into the UK on a private jet.
He was held on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm to music producer Abe Diaw at trendy Tape nightclub in Mayfair, Central London, in February 2023.
A Met Police spokesman said: “A 36-year-old man was arrested at a hotel in Manchester shortly after 02:00hrs on Thursday, 15 May on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. He has been taken into custody where he remains.
“The arrest relates to an incident at a venue in Hanover Square on 19 February 2023. The investigation is being led by detectives from the Central West Area Basic Command Unit.”
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Chris Brown's European and UK tour thrown into chaos
US Rapper Chris Brown’s world tour plans have been thrown into chaos after he was told he will spend a month behind bars.
The star appeared at Manchester magistrates charged with attacking a man in a nightclub with a bottle where his application for bail was refused.
His Breezy Bowl XX Tour is due to start in Amsterdam on June 8 - but Brown will be in custody ahead of his appearance at Southwark crown court in London on June 13.
Dressed in black T-shirt, black jogging bottoms and with blonde peroxide hair Brown, 36, only spoke to give his name, date of birth and address while staying in the UK.'
KEY EVENT
Prison van leaves magistrates' court
A prison van has been photographed leaving Manchester Magistrates' Court today, where Chris Brown appeared to face a charge of GBH. The singer has been remanded in custody.
Police officers were seen clearing a pathway as the can left the court.
Amy Denman
Chris Brown's entourage arrive at court
A member of Chris Brown's entourage were pictured arriving at court ahead of his hearing today.
Amy Denman
Chris Brown allegations
Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls told the court the alleged incident took place on Febraury 19, 2023.
It is alleged, according to Manchester Evening News, that Brown struck Abe Diaw with a bottle at Tape nightclub in London 'several times' before allegedly chasing him across the bar and 'punching and kicking' him alongside another person.
Amy Denman
Next court hearing
Brown will now face a plea and trial preparation hearing on June 13.
The hearing is due to take place in Southwark Crown Court in London.
KEY EVENT
Chris Brown is remanded in custody
Chris Brown has been remanded in custody after being charged with GBH. He is due to appear at Southwark crown court on June 13.
Amy Denman
Case moved to Crown Court
The judge said the charge of GBH is 'too serious' to be dealt with in Magistrates' Court and therefore the case will be heard at Southwark Crown Court in London.
A hearing date has been set for June 13.
KEY EVENT
Chris Brown appears in court
Singer Chris Brown, 36, appeared in court 17 at Manchester Magistrates' Court to face charges of grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with an alleged attack at a nightclub in London's Hannover Square in February 2023.
The case is being heard by District Judge Joanne Hirst. Jenny Wiltshire is representing Brown, while Hannah Nicholls is prosecuting.
He arrived in the dock alongside two security guards. Brown wore a pair of black Nike tracksuit bottomes and a plain black t-shirt.
