Busta Rhymes at the exclusive All-Star Kick Off Party held at the JET Nightclub at the Mirage. Las Vegas, Nevada - 16.02.07

Rhymes, real name TREVOR SMITH, is accused of beating EDWARD HATCHETT, his former driver, during a dispute over back pay outside his New York City office building on 26 December (06).

Manhattan Criminal Court Judge TANYA KENNEDY said the rapper could plead guilty to third-degree assault and receive a conditional discharge.

Meanwhile, in another case, Rhymes is charged with assaulting a fan for allegedly spitting on his car after a 12 August (06) performance on New York City's Randalls Island.

Assistant District Attorney HARRISON SCHWEILOCH had offered Rhymes six months in jail to cover both assaults, along with orders of protection for the victims, which Rhymes rejected.

The TOUCH IT singer, who is free on $3,500 (GBP1,800) bail, was present in court but did not speak during the hearing or after leaving the courthouse.

Police have also attempted to question Rhymes as a potential witness in the February 2006 shooting death of his bodyguard ISRAEL RAMIREZ, but he has so far refused to cooperate with authorities.

Source: WENN