British rapper of Ghanaian descent, Stormzy, has been banned from driving for nine months after admitting to using his phone while behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce in London.
The 31-year-old artist, born Michael Ebenezer Owuo Jr., is celebrated for propelling the grime genre into mainstream success. His debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, earned him the Brit Awards’ Album of the Year in 2018, alongside the Best Male British Solo Artist title – a distinction he reclaimed in 2020.
However, his driving record tells a different story. District Judge Andrew Sweet, presiding at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, described Stormzy’s actions as “dangerous and irresponsible,” according to a report from the Associated Press.
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Prosecutor Alice Holloway noted that Stormzy had previously endangered “vulnerable road users” by driving a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted windows that allowed only 4% light transmission—far below the legal minimum of 70%.
Stormzy, who was not present at the hearing, pleaded guilty in writing to the March 2023 cellphone offense. He had also previously admitted to the tinting violation and faced prior speeding infractions.
In addition to the driving ban, the ‘Know Me From’ rapper was fined £2,010 ($2,500), and penalty points were added to his license.
His defense lawyer, Peter Csemiczky, stated that Stormzy had apologized and accepted full responsibility for his actions.
Driving bans for traffic offenses, such as using a phone while driving, are common in England and can be either discretionary or mandatory, depending on the severity of the infraction.
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