Ethiopian singer guilty of manslaughter

A popular Ethiopian singer has been found guilty of the manslaughter of a homeless man killed in a hit-and-run in 2006.

Teddy Afro, whose music has been used as an anthem for perceived anti-government protests, was convicted of knocking the man down in Addis Ababa and driving away without telling police, reports the BBC.

The popstar, real name Tewodros Kassahun, was also convicted of driving without a licence. He is due to be sentenced on Friday and faces between five and 15 years imprisonment.

The court heard that there was confusion about the exact night the victim died, with Afro's defence claiming that their client was out of the country on the first of two options and out with friends on the second.

Judge Leul Gebremariam dismissed Afro's defence, finding him guilty on all charges. Leaving the court, Afro told journalists: "I never killed anyone, I didn't get justice from this court."

The singer has produced three albums since entering the Ethiopian music scene in 2001.