kon Pleads Guilty in Fan-Tossing

NEW YORK: Hip-hop star Akon has avoided jail time but was sentenced to 65 hours of community service which he must complete before June 2009 and a fine of US250 for harassment. In the wake of a June 2007 Annual KFEST concert in Fishkill, New York, the 35-year-old singer whose real name is Aliaune Thiam, hoisted a fan on his shoulders and violently tossed him into the crowd. The incident also caused injury to another concertgoer who said she suffered a concussion when the teen landed on her. After entering his plea, Akon shook hands with Anthony Smith, the now 16-year-old fan, and apologised to him and his parents. He did not comment as he left the courthouse, but his lawyer issued a statement saying, “We are pleased that the case has been resolved and Akon looks forward to putting this unfortunate incident behind him.” This is not the first time the Senegalese-American singer has had a brush with the law.