Star's assault conviction

Sugababe forced to make public apology to fans...

09:18 05 September 2011

Sugababes star Amelle Berrabah has been forced to issue a public apology, after she was convicted of assaulting a girl in a nightclub.

The singer apparently left scratch marks on Danielle Dodoo's neck after grabbing her in the VIP area of the club.

The City of Westminster Magistrates Court heard that Danielle asked Berrabah to watch where she was going, prompting the altercation.

Dodoo said that the Sugababe was "slurring" her words, explaining:

"She kind of leaned up towards my face and said something like she was going to bite my nose off.

"She had her hand around my neck and it must have been there for a few seconds."

Berrabah, 26, denied common assault but was found guilty and ordered to pay £250 in compensation.

After the ruling, Amelle issued an apology to her fans, which read:

"Following my conviction for assault today, I would like to offer my unreserved apologies to the band's fans, my bandmates, our record label and my family.

"I fully respect the Court's verdict and am pleased that the Judge saw fit to impose only a sentence of conditional discharge."

In 2010, Berrabah was charged with drink driving and given a 14-month driving ban.