Alex Lifeson of Canadian rockers Rush has avoided a prison sentence over that altercation at a New Years party back in 2003 after the charges against him were reduced from a felony to a misdemeanour. As previously reported, Lifeson got into trouble after he and his son had a run in with organisers of a New Years party in Florida. Lifeson allegedly attacked a police officer during the incident, and it was charges relating to that allegation that may have led to a prison sentence.
Lifeson initially claimed it was him who was mistreated by the police. However both father and son accepted plea agreements yesterday, meaning that in return for pleading guilty to single misdemeanor charges they will only serve 12 months probation and pay court costs.
After that deal had been reached Lifeson told reporters in a statement: "Today closes a difficult and painful period in the lives of my family, my friends and myself. But the sun is shining and it feels good."