Former pop star headbutted dying friend
NINETIES pop star Finley Quaye headbutted a dying friend, who was ‘more interested in watching Game of Thrones than paying him attention,’ a London court heard.
The Edinburgh-born singer, 42, of Tennyson Road, Reddish, denied assault but was convicted at Highbury Corner Magistrates of assaulting Julian Ashley at his flat in King’s Cross on June 27.
Quaye was placed on probation for twelve months, ordered to perform 250 hours community service and pay £620 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.
Prosecutor Alexa Morgan told the court: “The victim has known the defendant for 30 years and is suffering from terminal cancer.
“He is frail and needs a mobility scooter and assistance at home. He was watching television when the defendant came to the door and after letting him in continued watching. “The defendant took exception to that and said: ‘Aren’t I more important than Game of Thrones?’
“He became abusive... without warning he head-butted Mr Ashley, causing a split to his nose and extensive bruising.”
Quaye scooped a Brit Award in 1998 for Best British Male Solo Artist, following the release of his million-selling debut album Maverick a Strike.
NINETIES pop star Finley Quaye headbutted a dying friend, who was ‘more interested in watching Game of Thrones than paying him attention,’ a London court heard.
The Edinburgh-born singer, 42, of Tennyson Road, Reddish, denied assault but was convicted at Highbury Corner Magistrates of assaulting Julian Ashley at the victim’s flat in King’s Cross on June 27.
Quaye was placed on probation for twelve months, ordered to perform 250 hours community service and pay £620 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.
Prosecutor Alexa Morgan told the court: “The victim has known the defendant for 30 years and is suffering from terminal cancer.
“He is frail and needs a mobility scooter and assistance at home.
“He was watching television when the defendant came to the door and after letting him in continued watching.
“The defendant took exception to that and said: ‘Aren’t I more important than Game of Thrones?’
“He became abusive and lost his temper and Mr Ashley decided to escort him from the flat.
“Without warning he head-butted Mr Ashley, causing a split to his nose and extensive bruising.”
Quaye scooped a Brit Award in 1998 for Best British Male Solo Artist, following the release of his million-selling debut album Maverick a Strike.
However he was bankrupted in 2012, owing the taxman £383,000. The court heard he now earns a living from £500-a-time gigs and online music sales.
Quaye has 22 previous convictions and Miss Morgan added: “The defendant has a history of violent offending.”
His lawyer Samira Noor-Khan said: “He was a very successful musician, but for various reasons, mainly bad investments and debts, he was made bankrupt.
“He is allowed to keep profits from live performances and online sales, but the biggest sum, his £35,000 a year royalties, goes towards his bankruptcy.”
She estimated his current income at £10,000 to £11,000 a year.
She added: “He had been due to fly out for a show in Europe the next day, but it was cancelled and he arrived at the complainant’s home stressed and anxious.
“He expresses a great deal of remorse for that head-butt. It was a single head-butt and not a sustained or repeated assault. It was an impulsive action.”