Rapper DMX escapes jail sentence

Rapper DMX has been sentenced to 18 months probation after pleading guilty to attempted aggravated assault while he was in an Arizona jail.

The authorities said he threw a food tray at a prison officer while serving a sentence for theft, drug possession and animal cruelty offences.

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, will be allowed to serve his probation in Florida, where he used to live.

"I think even the court wants the best for him," his lawyer Glenn Allen said.

Simmons, 38, who was sentenced to 90 days in prison in January, must also attend a counselling programme.

The musician, who has sold some 20 million records worldwide, said he plans to work on a new album.

His first five albums topped the US chart in their initial week of release.