Full Breakdown
Chris Brown Receives Suspended Sentence for 2023 London Nightclub Assault
By Drooid · · How we work
Background of the Incident
On February 19, 2023, the R&B singer Chris Brown struck music producer Abraham Diaw twice in the head with a heavy tequila bottle inside the private-members’ club Tape in Mayfair, London. CCTV footage showed Brown delivering four blows with the bottle—two to Diaw’s head and two to his shoulder—before the victim was pulled away. The altercation lasted roughly 20 seconds and left Diaw requiring hospital treatment for head and knee injuries. Brown’s vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu (also known as “Hoody Baby”), joined the attack and later punched the victim.
Both men pleaded guilty to a single count of affray in July 2025, a charge that carries a maximum three-year term. More serious charges of assault, attempted grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon were dropped as part of the plea agreement.
Court Findings and Sentencing Details
At Southwark Crown Court, Judge Tony Baumgartner handed down the following sentences:
- Chris Brown – eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
- Omololu Akinlolu – four months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
- Both defendants ordered to pay £1,500 in costs each.
The suspension means neither will serve time unless they commit another offence during the 12-month period.
Official Statements
- Sallie Bennett-Jenkins, Brown’s lawyer, said the singer was “profoundly sorry” and characterized the episode as “an ugly and unattractive incident” that was “very short-lived.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The repeated use of a glass bottle in that way, especially aimed at the head, was plainly dangerous, it carried the risk of delivering a more serious injury than was ultimately sustained.” — Judge Baumgartner
- “This was serious, public violence. In your case, Brown, it involved the repeated use ... of a bottle, including twice striking Diaw to his head.” — Judge Tony Baumgartner
- “This was not planned violence. It was nevertheless serious violence by two people in a crowded nightclub.” — Judge Baumgartner
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 19, 2023 | Attack on Abraham Diaw at Tape nightclub. |
| July 2025 | Brown and Akinlolu plead guilty to affray. |
| October 26, 2026 | Brown appears at Southwark Crown Court for sentencing (scheduled appearance). |
| October 26, 2026 | Court delivers suspended sentences to Brown and Akinlolu. |
Data & Statistics
- Sentences: 8-month suspended (Brown); 4-month suspended (Akinlolu).
- Costs: £1,500 each.
- Victim injuries: Head trauma and knee injuries requiring hospital care.
- Duration of assault: Approximately 20 seconds.
- Weapon: Heavy square-shaped tequila bottle used as an offensive weapon.
What’s Next
The suspended sentences remain in force for 12 months. Should either defendant reoffend within that period, the original custodial terms could be activated. No further court dates have been announced.