Rapper DMX escapes jail term after agreement

Rapper DMX has escaped a jail sentence after agreeing to make public service announcements.

He had faced 13 charges of animal cruelty, plus two counts of creating a nuisance, one count of disorderly conduct and a drug possession charge.

The State Superior Court in New Jersey let the singer remain free on the condition he makes the announcements.

He will have to warn children against guns and animal cruelty.

DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was also fined €900 for each charge of animal cruelty, and was placed on probation.

The case against Simmons arose after his business manager was shot in 1999.

Simmons' wife's purse was found near the scene of the crime, and when police searched his home they found a loaded 9mm pistol, bullets, and six "used glass cocaine-smoking pipes."

Thirteen pit bull terriers were also found in the house, reports said.