BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Rock star Billy Idol was sentenced Wednesday to two years probation and ordered to pay a $2,700 fine for punching a woman in the face last year, authorities said.
Municipal Court Judge Charles Rubin also ordered the 36-year-old rock star, whose real name is William Broad, to prepare a one-minute public service announcement about the effects of drugs and alcohol and to undergo therapy.
Idol, known for his spiky blond hairdo and snarling lip curl, had faced a maximum sentence of six months in jail, Deputy District Attorney Bill Clark said.
Idol pleaded guilty Jan. 21 to one misdemeanor battery and assault charge for punching a woman he met in a West Hollywood restaurant.
'I don't think Mr. Idol is a violent person. This was an aberration, ' Clark said after the sentencing. 'But he came real close to going to jail.'
The attack occurred about 2 a.m. on Oct. 11, 1991, when Idol and his manager met two women in Stringfellows.
Amber Nevel and Laurie Bailey offered to drive the singer and his manager to their car after dinner.
But during the drive, Idol, who was in the back seat with Nevel, suddenly began shouting at her and punched her in the mouth and forehead.
The singer's large, silver rings cut the woman's mouth, bruised her forehead and gave her a slight concussion, prosecutors said.
Clark said Idol was 'pretty drunk at the time.' The singer had stopped drinking six months before the attack and this was the first night he had alcohol.
'When he got out of the car, Idol acted like a complete gentleman and has ever since,' Clark said.
Clark did not know what provoked the punch, but said Nevel 'was completely satistified with the sentence.'
Idol's hits include 'Rebel Yell,' 'White Wedding' and 'Cradle of Love.'
