British rapper Stormzy received a nine-month driving ban on Thursday after confessing to driving his Rolls-Royce in London while using his phone.
The 31-year-old, whose actual name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Jr., is recognized for introducing the grime rap genre to the commercial mainstream. His first album “Gang Signs and Prayer” received the album of the year award at the Brit Awards in 2018, and he was recognized as the best male British solo artist — a title he also secured in 2020.
His performance away from home, however, isn’t favorable, a judge stated at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
District judge Andrew Sweet stated that Stormzy’s behavior was “irresponsible and dangerous.”
Alice Holloway, the prosecutor, stated that Stormzy previously endangered “vulnerable road users” by driving a Lamborghini Urus with unlawfully tinted windows. The windows permitted just 4% light transmission — a minuscule portion of the 70% needed for tinting.
Stormzy, absent from the court during the hearing, submitted a written guilty plea for the cellphone driving offense from March. He had earlier acknowledged the 2023 tinting violation and also possessed a history of speeding.
Defense attorney Peter Csemiczky stated that Stormzy expressed remorse and acknowledged his accountability.
The artist received a fine of 2,010 pounds ($2,500) and points were added to his license.
