Ex-So Solid star cleared of car park attack

Former So Solid Crew star Romeo was freed at the Old Bailey today after a jury failed to agree a verdict on a charge of slashing a man during a car park rage row.

Judge Ann Goddard formally found the 24-year-old rapper, whose real name is Marvin Dawkins, not guilty of a charge of wounding with intent when the prosecution decided not to continue with the case against him after two separate juries had been unable to agree verdicts.

The prosecution had alleged the knife-wielding rapper slashed Ejay Armstrong’s jawline during the confrontation.

Romeo had gone to assist family and friends after they became involved in a dispute after a night out in London’s West End, Sarah Forshaw, prosecuting, had told the jury.

They had all been to the Cirque club, formerly the Hippodrome, in Leicester Square – as had Mr Armstrong and his friends.

But Romeo told the jury he had been peacemaker during the row.

He had attended a star-studded party, drinking champagne with music producers and chatting with boy band Blue member Simon Webbe.

Romeo claimed he had acted a peacemaker throughout the confrontation, which followed the night out.

“As we exited the club we walked towards the car park. We saw lots of press hanging around.

“There was quite a few famous people along the road at the back, walking or in cars.

“The Sugarbabes were there. Charlotte Church was there and members of a group called Big Brother were there as well.”

Returning to the car park, he found a big crowd of people.

“There was a lot of thumping sounds and the first thing going through my mind was ‘where’s my brother?’

“I had to look out for him. I saw these guys with weapons. I was not acting aggressively. I was just trying to call for my brother.”

Romeo said he split people up. “All I was trying to do was cool it down or stop it. I was more or less lecturing everyone. I was the peacemaker.”

Romeo, from Rotherhithe, south east London, denied wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.