KILLA KING™

Rapper Snoop Dogg did not hit a fan who jumped on stage at a 2005 Seattle gig, a jury in a civil court case decided.

But jurors found that Richard Monroe Jr did suffer serious injuries in the melee that followed and awarded him $449,400 (£295,950) in damages.

He had told a Santa Monica court he was "left for dead" by security at the gig and was also struck by Snoop Dogg.

The damages - far lower than the $22m (£14.5m) sought - must be paid by the star's record label and other parties.

Mr Monroe had told the court he thought Snoop Dogg had urged fans to join him on stage as he launched into hit Gin and Juice.

He had alleged the rapper - real name Calvin Broadus - had hit him with a microphone with a knuckleduster-style handle.

The 12-person jury cleared him of assault after watching video footage of the incident which showed performers and security staff involved in the struggle.

'Brutal' beating

Jurors said Mr Broadus did not personally owe Mr Monroe anything.

They ruled his damages must be paid by Doggystyle Records, the label founded by Mr Broadus, rapper Soopafly - whose real name is Priest Brooks and who also performed on the tour - and other unnamed parties.

Mr Monroe had told the court that during his "brutal" bea ting he was "punched, kicked, kicked, punched".

Mr Broadus, who has released nine studio albums, said he had gone straight to his tour bus after Mr Monroe had jumped on stage and was challenged by security.