Dizzee Rascal’s ex tells domestic violence survivors: ‘You’re not alone’
Dizzee Rascal’s ex-fiancée has told domestic violence survivors “you are not alone” after the rapper lost his lawsuit against her assault conviction on Friday.
In a statement, Cassandra Jones said the court’s ruling showed that “wealth and status cannot be used to silence women”, and that “support is available”.
“Today’s ruling shows once again that wealth and status cannot be used to silence women,” she said.
“Domestic violence is a crime that affects a quarter of women in their lifetime.
“I want to thank my family, friends, and specialist organizations for supporting me through this time, and also telling other women who are being abused that regardless of money or influence, there is support and you are not alone.”
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The musician, who is known for chart-topping singles Bonkers and Dance Wiv Me, sat quietly in the dock at London Inner Court as his appeal against his conviction and conviction was denied. (Jordan Pettitt / PA)
Ms Jones added that the appeal had been “extremely frustrating” for her, and that the experience had helped her understand why “so many women give up on the criminal justice system”.
Dizzee Rascal, 38, whose real name is Dylan Mills, was found guilty at a trial last April of assaulting Ms Jones by pressing his forehead against hers and pushing her to the floor during an argument. “chaos” at her home in south London. June 2021.
The musician, who is known for chart-topping singles Bonkers and Dance Wiv Me, sat quietly in the dock at London Inner Court as his appeal against his conviction and conviction was dismissed. .
District Judge Vanessa Baraitser, who is sitting with the panel, said they were “pleased” the case was resolved “in the manner that Crown alleges” and that Mills “used her forehead to push Ms. Jones around” ” court. room.
During the trial, Mills, who had two children with Ms Jones before they split in February 2021, is said to have ‘bolted’ into the home, banging his head on the refrigerator three times while hugging his son and arresting him. head “screaming” at his ex-partner and her mother Dawn Kirk.
The judge said Ms Kirk was a “convincing” witness whose evidence in the appeals process was “balanced” about the angry scenes she witnessed that night.
Ms Jones previously told the appeal hearing that she “fell to the ground” after Mills “pushed his forehead against my forehead and pushed me around the room”.
She said: “He got to his red mist where he didn’t care.
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Giving evidence on Friday, Mills denied the claims and said he was not angry when he arrived at the house.
He told the court that Ms Jones was “hostile” to him when he went to her home.
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Rapper Dizzee Rascal loses his lawsuit (Jordan Pettitt/PA)
Mills said he had had a “good day” with his family a few hours earlier.
He said he wasn’t in a “bad mood” when he got home but was “upset” that Ms Jones had repeatedly contacted him about why he was late.
The court heard that in one of their exchanges, he told her she had sent him “petty provocative text messages” and that “you don’t deserve my time.” With so much time and energy, I’m only here for the kids.”
Mills said that everyone in the house spoke up when a money argument broke out between the musician, his ex-fiancée, and Miss Kirk.
He said he went to the kitchen and asked Miss Kirk “why did she let Cassie use my children as weapons against me”.
Mills said of Ms Jones that “she yelled at me” before adding “we all screamed, it was so loud”.
Claiming that she hit him with her cell phone, he said: “She hit me. She hit me a few times and she scratched me. She hit me on the phone.”
He added: “I took it off her. She hit me and hit me again.
In a prepared statement to police after Mills was arrested, he said he had a scratch on his left arm after the attack and this was recorded by a nurse, the court heard. .
Mills described himself as “calm and relaxed” when police arrived but the court said he told them “I am the aggressor”.
When asked by defense attorney Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC why he made that comment, Mills replied, “I’m just clarifying and joking.”
In April 2022, Mills received community orders, including a 24-week curfew and a 12-month ban banning him from contacting his former partner, as well as being ordered to pay £2,190 in expenses. and £95 surcharge.
These penalties have not been changed and the ban is due to expire in April.
Mills was also asked to pay £620 the cost of the appeal.
Mills, who released his debut album Boy In Da Corner, in 2003, was awarded an MBE for music services in honor of the Queen’s Birthday in 2020.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/dizzee-rascals-ex-tells-domestic-violence-survivors-you-are-not-alone-42316697.html Dizzee Rascal’s ex tells domestic violence survivors: ‘You’re not alone’