27 January 2023 , 21:25
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Dizzee Rascal's ex-fiancée Cassandra Jones released a statement after the grime rapper lost his appeal against his conviction for assaulting her.
The 38-year-old, real name Dylan Mills, was found guilty in April last year of assaulting Jones by pressing his forehead against her and pushing her to the ground during a 'chaotic' row in Streatham, south London.
The musician sat quietly at Inner London Crown Court while his appeal against the conviction and sentence was rejected.
District Judge Vanessa Baraitser, who was sitting with a panel, said they were “satisfied” the case had been made out “in the way that had been alleged by the Crown” and that Mills had “used his forehead to push Ms Jones around” the room.
His ex-fiancée released a powerful statement after he lost the appeal and said 'women like me will not suffer in silence'.
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He was found guilty in April last year of assaulting his ex-fiancéeIn a statement shared with The Mirror, Cassandra said: "As a survivor of domestic abuse, I would appreciate privacy for myself and my family. The verdict today as back in March of this year has brought me no joy but it does once again show women like me will not suffer in silence. Justice will prevail when crimes are committed against us," she said.
"This case being reopened has been hugely upsetting and created a lot of anxiety for me and my family. It is not something I wanted but was subjected to. As I said earlier in the year I just want to move on with my life, focusing on raising our children and healing from the abuse that I have experienced but my perpetrator was determined to stop me from doing that."
She added: "I understand why so many women drop out of the criminal justice system; having to repeat evidence and go through the court process again with a whole new trial has been really traumatic and tiring for me.
"Perpetrators often use the court appeals process as a means to further exert their power and control and the impact is very distressing."
The musician's appeal was rejected (Getty Images)"This verdict today once again shows wealth and status cannot be used to silence women. Domestic abuse is a crime and regardless of money or influence support is out there. I would like to thank my family and friends and the specialist organisations who have supported me throughout," the statement continued.
"Domestic abuse is a crime impacting one in four women in their lifetime. I would like to thank my family and friends and the specialist organisations who have supported me throughout and also say to other women experiencing abuse that regardless of money or influence, support is out there, and you are not alone."
Mills was given a community order, including a 24-week curfew and 12-month restraining order banning him from contacting his former partner, as well as being ordered to pay £2,190 in costs and a £95 surcharge.
He appealed against the conviction and sentence at Inner London Crown Court.