Busta Rhymes Gets Probation

Rapper Busta Rhymes pleaded guilty on Wednesday to assault, two driving infractions, weapons possession, and avoiding a trial and the yearlong prison sentence recommended by prosecutors.

Reuters reports that the rapper had initially claimed his innocence to all the charges posed and was to go to trial on Wednesday.

Judge Larry Stevens evaluated the case and concluded that prosecutors were wrong in their initial sentencing. Instead, Stevens sentenced the rapper to three years' probation and 10 days of community service for beating a fan who allegedly spat on his car, and then assaulting his driver in the later of 2006.

Rhymes was also fined $1,250 for driving with a suspended license in 2006 and driving while intoxicated in 2007.

In response to Judge Stevens overrule, Rhymes's lawyer, Scott Leemon, said Stevens had agreed in closed talks that a jail sentence was "out of line with what every other person who comes through this court" would get.

Busta Rhymes is said to be elated by Judge Stevens's ruling. According to Rhymes, he is "glad that all of this is finally behind me and I can go back to doing what I do best -- making great music and great films and being a people person." Onlookers patted Rhymes on the back and wished the rapper well as he exited the courthouse.