Grammy Award-winning producer Dallas Austin was sentenced today to four years imprisonment in Dubai after pleading guilty to cocaine charges.
Austin, who has worked with Madonna, Michael Jackson and Pink, was arrested for cocaine possession at Dubai airport on May 19 after arriving in the country for a three-day trip to attend supermodel Naomi Campbell's birthday party. He has been in custody since his arrest.
Yesterday, Austin plead guilty to the charges, a requirement for those seeking a royal pardon from the government of Dubai.
"I'm pleading guilty, but by mistake. I had no knowledge and no intention of violating the law."
Dubai ruler Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashild Al Maktoum denied a pardon.
Austin, whose life story was loosely depicted in the 2002 movie "Drumline," had 15 days to appeal against the ruling.
An appeal isn't necessary, however, as within hours of the sentencing, a pardon was granted. An attorney for Austin said it was a "matter of paperwork."
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