close
close

Stormzy banned from the road for 9 months after using his cell phone while driving

Stormzy banned from the road for 9 months after using his cell phone while driving

Jo Hale/Redferns Stormzy in February 2023

Jo Hale/Redferns

Stormzy in February 2023

Stormzy won’t be on the road for a while.

According to THE BBC On Thursday January 2, the British rapper (real name Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior) was banned from driving for nine months after being caught using a mobile phone while driving by an off-duty police officer.

In a letter, Stormzy, 31, pleaded guilty to driving a Rolls-Royce Wraith while using a device in London in March last year, according to the publication.

Related: Victoria Monét was spotted kissing rapper Stormzy just weeks after announcing her split from ex John Gaines

When he was arrested, the officer allegedly knocked on the Grime star’s tinted window and told him: “Get rid of your tints and put down your phone.” »

Although Stormzy initially denied the allegations, he later wrote a note to the court changing his plea to “guilty”.

In addition to his nine-month driving ban, the “Clash” artist was fined £2,010 (around $2,400) and given penalty points on his license. (Stormzy already had six points on his license for previous speeding violations, the court heard.)

Stormzy did not attend his hearing on Thursday January 2 at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court in person. Instead, his lawyer, Peter Csemiczky, said his client apologized and accepted his punishment.

Presiding judge Andrew Sweet described the incident involving Stormzy as “dangerous and irresponsible”, adding that his driving record was “not good”. He also called Stormzy’s actions “dangerous and irresponsible.”

During the hearing, prosecutor Alice Holloway said the incident put “vulnerable road users at risk”.

Stormzy’s lawyer told Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court that the musician accepted responsibility for his actions.

Last July, the “Hide & Seek” artist pleaded guilty to driving a Lamborghini with illegally tinted windows during an incident in October 2023, according to THE BBC.

Never miss a story: subscribe to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date with the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Hugh R Hastings/Getty Stormzy in August 2024Hugh R Hastings/Getty Stormzy in August 2024

Hugh R. Hastings/Getty

Stormzy in August 2024

Related: Vybz Kartel plans New Year’s Eve show, his first since leaving prison after his murder conviction was overturned

In 2022, Stormzy released his latest album, That’s what I mean.

Over the past two years, he has released a number of singles, including 2023’s “Problems Over Peace” with AP Dhillon and “Backbone” with Chase and Status.

He was featured on Headie One’s song, “Cry No More”, in 2024.

Read the original article on People