NEW YORK, Thursday 5 August 2010 (AFP) - Japanese speed eating champ Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi was told by a New York judge Thursday that he no longer faces prosecution for starting a disturbance at the city's annual hotdog contest.

"His case is considered dismissed," defense attorney Mario Romano told AFP.

The judge at Brooklyn civil court considered ordering community service for the July 4th ruckus, but "they finally agreed to waive that requirement," Romano said.

That left Kobayashi, a surprisingly slim 32-year-old, free to go do what he loves most: eat.

"He was happy. He said he was nervous last night, he couldn't sleep," Romano said. "Now he's going to go out with some friends tonight and eat. He's going to have a steak -- just one."

Thursday's decision takes effect immediately but can be reversed for up to six months, during which Kobayashi must keep a clean slate.

Kobayashi was arrested at the famous Coney Island endurance eating competition after trying to break through security and get on stage. He had missed this year's contest because of a contractual dispute, but says he was trying to join his comrades when security guards wrestled him away.

Kobayashi still retains various records from other competitions, including eating 57 cow brains in 15 minutes and 41 lobster rolls in 10 minutes.