Dappy trial: Jim Davidson at court to support of former N-Dubz singer

 
Trial: Dappy arrives at Chelmsford Magistrates Court (Picture: PA)
Standard Reporter19 June 2014
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Former N-Dubz singer Dappy slapped a man outside a nightclub after a meet and greet event, a court heard.

The 27-year-old, whose real name is Dino Costas Contostavlos, is accused of attacking George Chittock at Chicago’s in Chelmsford, Essex.

Dappy denies assault by beating and is on trial at Chelmsford Magistrates Court, with the support of his celebrity friend Jim Davidson.

In a police statement read to the court, the performer said he had been "cut" in an incident four or five years earlier at a nightclub in Nottingham.

Asked if he feared he was going to be stabbed on the night of the incident, he added: "Yeah of course, I'm always concerned about that.

"I was scared someone was going to put a hole in me.

Support: Jim Davidson at Chelmsford Magistrates Court (Picture: PA)

"I have had to deal all my life with people trying to cut me and taking cheap shots."

He added he had been attacked on three previous occasions in the 12 months leading up to the incident.

He claimed Mr Chittock had abused him three times over the course of the night, including insulting his dead father.

"He looked like he was going to do something," Contostavlos said. "It was self-defence, I did not want to get hit."

Contostavlos, cousin of Tulisa Contostavlos, arrived at court in a black Audi with blacked-out windows.

Escorted by a minder, he wore a black jacket, white shirt and black tie.

CCTV footage of the alleged attack was played to the court.

The film, which lasts for 10 seconds, showed the singer “surrounded by security” as he slapped Mr Chittock, prosecuting Jacqueline Carey said.

Ms Carey said: "When the defendant lashed out, he was not under any threat or any perceived threat of violence."

Jon Harrison, defending, said that earlier in the evening Mr Chittock told Contostavlos: "Dappy, you're a mug, I'm going to knock you out."

Mr Chittock replied: "Incorrect."

Contostavlos, who gave his profession as performing artist, said he was feeling "energetic and alive" on the night of the incident.

He insisted he did not have a "drinking habit", adding: "I was functional enough to go and do an amazing show so I certainly wasn't drunk."

Telling the court he was about 5ft 4ins and weighed eight stone, he added: "Look at me I couldn't down half a bottle of vodka in the space of 20 minutes of me going on stage."

Outside court, Mr Davidson said: "Dappy is a good friend of mine, we became close on Big Brother.

"I don't know what's happened in this case but I'm just here to show him my support."

Contostavlos, of St Albans, Hertfordshire, is on unconditional bail.

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