Lil' Wayne will now be sentenced next week on gun possession charges after his sentencing was delayed for a third time.

The rapper was due to appear in court again today after sentencing was postponed for a second time on Tuesday following a courtroom fire.

However, courthouse officials told the New York Post that the Lower Manhattan building remained closed so repair work could be carried out.

The rapper is now expected to be given a one-year sentence on Monday.

A February sentencing date was also postponed so Lil' Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Carter, could undergo dental surgery.

The rapper pleaded guilty to attempted gun possession at a court hearing last October.

He was arrested in July 2007 when police found him trying to conceal a .40 calibre semi-automatic loaded handgun on his tour bus.

(by Jason Gregory)