American singer Chris Brown to be sentenced for affray following London nightclub attack

Colin Paterson
Entertainment Correspondent, Court Report

Image source, PA Media

I’m at Southwark Crown Court for Chris Brown’s sentencing.

A group of around 35 of his fans were waiting to enter the public gallery – not all of them will enter.

Destiny Williams of Birmingham is first in line. She saw him in Toronto and Birmingham last year and traveled to Los Angeles for another show this year at SoFi Stadium.

She said to me: “I want to be there to support Chris. It’s part of the story. I hope he gets a fine or a suspended sentence.”

Charlie Gearing came from Leeds with her mother Lizzie, who didn’t let a hip replacement stop her from being here today.

“We support Chris Brown,” says Lizzie. “He’s a great performer.”

Charlie, 50, met Brown at the Lowry Hotel before his Manchester show: “I want to see him go out a free man. If he signs my hand I’ll get it tattooed.”

Zoe Jones came down from Birmingham and got up at 0400 GMT.

“I think I’m his number one fan. I met him in Amsterdam. I think he deserves a chance. We’re all human.”

Sonia McCalla, from Hertfordshire, arrived at 8.15am to secure her place – she is currently sixth in the queue.

“I want to support Chris. I think he’s an incredible artist. I hope for a suspended sentence and he doesn’t go to prison.”