Rhymes to face trial for assault

Busta Rhymes rejected a further offer from the prosecution

US rapper Busta Rhymes is to face trial in May after a New York judge withdrew an offer enabling him to avoid jail.

Rhymes - real name Trevor Smith - was offered the chance to take probation and community service last month, sparing him from a prison sentence.

But the 34-year-old musician was arrested again after being caught driving on a suspended licence.

Rhymes will appear in court on charges of assault, against his driver and a fan who allegedly spat on his car.

After the judge withdrew the plea offer, the rapper rejected a follow-up offer by the prosecution.

He elected to go to trial instead of serving concurrent one year jail sentences for each of the two counts of assault, and a $500 (£250) fine for the suspended licence charge.

The rapper's hits include Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See, Dangerous and Touch It.