Buckhurst Hill rapper Kano has assault charge dropped because complainant 'went on holiday' instead of attending court

The 32-year-old, real name Kane Robinson, of Buckhurst Hill, was accused of attacking a couple at members club Shoreditch House on September 16 last year.

However, after complainants Suzzan Atala and Henry Kinman failed to turn up for the trial at Wood Green Crown Court, the case against the Top Boy star was dismissed on Wednesday (September 6).

Prosecutor Roger Smart told the court that Ms Atala had not been heard from since February this year, while Mr Kinman had not responded to any correspondence since emailing officers on August 17, stating that he had a family emergency in the south of France.

But, overnight investigations by defence lawyers revealed that from September 1, this year, Mr Kinman had posted pictures on social media of himself mountain climbing in Grenoble.

Mr Smart said: "In short, any concern that this was a gentleman who was apparently engaged in focusing on his sister's welfare over and above other activities, had by his own posts on Twitter been eradicated."

Jeremy Dein QC, representing Mr Robinson, added: "The scenario appears that whilst Mr Kinman has been dangling from a rope and enjoying a scenic view in the south of France, having told the police he was the victim of a family emergency, Mr Robinson has been overcome with anxiety at the prospect of this trial and the devastation of his career."

He asked the judge for a full investigation into the circumstances of the case, accusing Mr Kinman of "toying with the criminal justice process".

On Tuesday Mr Dein submitted that any delay in proceedings could impact on Robinson's plans to record a new album and film an upcoming series of Top Boy in the coming months.

Judge Gregory Perrins said everyone's time had been wasted, adding: "From the information put before me, he has on the face of it deliberately misled the prosecution.

"It appears to be the case that Mr Kinman had no intention to attend."