Rod tries to strike deal to stop assault case going to trial
Sir rod Stewart’s lawyers are negotiating with prosecutors and the bouncer he allegedly punched to stop the case going to trial, a court heard yesterday.
The singer, 75, and his son Sean, 39, have both pleaded not guilty to ‘simple battery’.
it relates to an alleged scuffle on New Year’s Eve near Sir rod’s home in Palm Beach, Florida.
Security guard Jessie Dixon, 33, accused the star of punching him after he turned his family away from a private party at The Breakers hotel.
He also alleged that Sean Stewart shoved him.
Mr Dixon’s lawyer said they were considering the ‘civil aspect’, which could include a lawsuit, adding they were in discussions with the Stewarts’ legal team. Neither Sir rod nor his son, both thought to be in the UK, were at yesterday’s second hearing over the criminal charges, which took place over Zoom from a Palm Beach court.
Sir rod’s lawyer, Guy Fronstin, told the court: ‘We have been in contact with them [Mr Dixon’s legal team].
‘it’s just a little more dialogue that has to continue before we will be in a position to represent whether this case will settle or go to a trial.’ Prosecutor Zach O’Neill said he had ‘made an offer’, adding: ‘We are working on a resolution.’
Judge August Bonavita set the next pre-trial hearing for August 7 and said: ‘We [will] see where we go from there – we may be looking at a trial case, though.’
Neither Mr Fronstin nor the Palm Beach State Attorney’s Office could be contacted. Plea deals are common in the US. Prosecutors offer more lenient charges in exchange for a guilty plea to avoid the costs and risks of a trial.
in Florida, an agreement can also be made without any admission of guilt, especially if a defendant has no criminal record. They may be asked to do community service, for example, with the charges dropped on completion.
Although civil and criminal matters are separate, victims can influence an agreement.
Mr Dixon’s lawyer, Gawayne Kelly, said: ‘We would only be resolving financials, basically. The criminal part would be discussed with the prosecutor. if we reach an agreement, i’m sure we’d talk to them so we are on the same page.’
He would not discuss details of the case or what they may seek in any civil deal. But he said: ‘if Mr Dixon wants to move forward to dismiss the case, then that’s something to be decided in future.’
Mr Dixon told police that Sir rod and Sean caused a scene around 10pm on December 31, 2019.
He said he put his hand on Sean’s chest and told him to back up. That is when the 39-year-old allegedly got ‘nose to nose’ with Mr Dixon and pushed him. Sir rod is then accused of punching the bouncer in the ‘rib area’.
Sean told police the bouncer was ‘aggressive’. According to reports, Sir rod apologised immediately.
‘Working on a resolution’