Former N-Dubz singer Dappy has been found guilty of assaulting a man in an Essex nightclub. The 27-year-old – real name Dino Costas Contostvalos – attacked George Chittock in the early hours of February 27 though had denied it throughout the high profile trial at Chelmsford Magistrates Court.

DappyDappy at the ITV studios

Dappy was fined £800 for his troubles, as well as being ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £90 and costs of £930. Giving evidence earlier in the week, Mr Contostavlos had claimed he was “scared” that he might be stabbed and lashed out in self-defence after Mr Chittock abused him three times over the court of the evening, including insulting his dead father, reports the Independent.

However, prosector Jacqueline Carey said that CCTV footage showed Dappy “surrounded by security” when he turned and “slapped” Mr Chittock near the club’s smoking area at 2am. "When the defendant lashed out, he was not under any threat or any perceived threat of violence," Ms Carey said.

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Earlier in the week, Dappy had been supported in court by Jim Davidson, the polarising comedian who beat the singer to the Celebrity Big Brother crown earlier this year. The attack in the nightclub happened just one month after the pair left the famous reality TV house.