Anger as Dizzee Rascal is spared jail for assaulting ex
DIZZEE Rascal has been spared prison for assaulting his ex-fiancee – sparking a warning from women’s groups that lenient sentences for domestic abusers “send a dangerous message”.
The grime artist, 37, whose real name is Dylan Mills, was yesterday given a 12-month restraining order and will have to wear an electronic tag for 24 weeks.
It follows an earlier trial which found him guilty of assaulting Cassandra Jones.
Mills had maintained he was “frustrated” over custody arrangements and the pair had an argument when he dropped off their daughter in Streatham, south London, last June. He pressed his forehead against that of Ms Jones and pushed her to the floor during a “chaotic” row.
But the shamed star, who is behind charttopping singles Bonkers and Dance Wiv Me, was branded a “bully” by District Judge Polly Gledhill when she found him guilty.
She said: “You have shown no remorse for this matter, rather you continue to place the blame on your victim.”
There was no response from Mills as he sat in the dock at Croydon magistrates court.
The judge said she was “satisfied” the sentence was a “necessary and proportionate” measure. Mills was also ordered to pay £2,190 in costs and a £95 surcharge.
However, Isabelle Younane, of domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid, said: “Lenient sentences in domestic abuse cases send a dangerous message – both to perpetrators and survivors – about how domestic abuse is treated in this country.
“Where allegations are made against people in the public eye, who hold influence over their fans, it is vital that the response is responsible and consistent. Judges must send a clear message that no matter who you are there is no excuse for abuse.”
Rascal was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2020.
Rocked
During his trial before Wimbledon magistrates last month, Mills, who has two children with Ms Jones, was said to have “barged” into the home, banged his head on a fridge three times while holding his son, and started “screaming and shouting” at his ex-partner and her mother, Dawn Kirk.
The judge said Ms Jones had been “rocked to her core” by the attack and left with panic attacks and needing anxiety medication.
Ruth Davison, head of domestic abuse support charity Refuge, said: “Ms Jones has shown immense courage in speaking up and speaking out. Refuge would like to amplify her words today that wealth and status should never be used to silence women.” ●●Refuge’s 24-hour helpline can be reached on 0808 2000 247