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Former N-Dubz star Dappy's trial for an alleged assault at a petrol station in February has been delayed so he can go on tour.

The rapper's trial was due to take place on 29 October or 10 Decemeber, but his lawyer asked Guildford Crown Court for it to be delayed until next year to accommodate the 25-year-old's promotional commitments for his debut album.

According to the Daily Mail, his lawyer Jimmy Vakil told the court: "My client is in the music industry and he has a number of commitments."

"One million pounds has been invested in him and the band … The only way this money can be made back is if it's properly promoted," he reportedly added.

The trial is now set to begin on 7 January and will last between seven and ten days, with judge Christopher Critchlow commenting on Thursday (24 August): "I have to be fair to the other defendants and witnesses in this case."

Dappy, whose real name is Dino Constavlos and is the cousin of X-Factor judge and former N-Dubz bandmate Tulisa Constavlos, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of affray and is on unconditional bail.

If he and his three co-defendents are convicted, Dappy faces up to six months in prison and a £5,000 fine.

Dappy is accused of taking part in a brawl at a Guildford petrol station on in the early hours of 28 February, in which three people suffered serious facial injuries.

Dappy's debut album, Bad Intentions, is released on 1 October.

Tulisa recently slammed V Festival crowd members who threw urine at Cher Lloyd, describing the incident at "adult bullying".