Stormzy banned from driving for mobile phone use
3 min read
Stormzy's been banned from driving for nine months after he admitted using his phone while behind the wheel in Central London
Stormzy, the renowned British rapper, has been banned from driving for nine months after being caught using his mobile phone behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce in London. The incident occurred in March of the previous year when Stormzy, whose real name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior, was driving on Addison Road in west Kensington. An off-duty police officer, who witnessed the offense, alerted him by knocking on the tinted passenger window and instructing the rapper to “get rid of your tints and get off your phone.” Stormzy subsequently pleaded guilty to using the device while driving, submitting a letter to the court admitting his actions.
District Judge Andrew Sweet, who presided over the case, criticized Stormzy’s behavior as “dangerous and irresponsible.” He pointed out that the rapper’s driving history was less than exemplary, noting that Stormzy had accumulated six points on his driving record due to previous speeding offenses. The judge highlighted the serious nature of the incident, especially in the context of the rapper’s existing points, which led to the decision to impose a nine-month driving ban.
Stormzy’s solicitor addressed the court on his client’s behalf, acknowledging that the rapper took full responsibility for his actions and expressed regret. Despite initially denying the use of a mobile phone while driving, Stormzy eventually changed his plea after further reflection, admitting the offense through his letter to the court. This change of plea came after the officer’s direct intervention and Stormzy’s recognition of his wrongdoing.
The incident is the latest in a series of legal challenges related to Stormzy’s driving behavior. In addition to the mobile phone offense, the rapper was also found guilty of driving a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted windows. The front windows of the vehicle were tinted to only 4% light transmission, which is a clear violation of the legal requirement for a minimum of 70% light transmission for front windows. This breach was flagged by officers during a separate incident in Kingston upon Thames on October 17, 2023. Stormzy was stopped by the police at approximately 12:45 p.m. for the illegal tint, which posed a potential safety risk by impairing the driver’s vision.
Prosecutor Alice Holloway, who presented the case, argued that both incidents involving Stormzy were dangerous and could have put “vulnerable road users at risk.” She emphasized that driving with a mobile phone, as well as operating a vehicle with significantly tinted windows, could create hazardous conditions for other drivers and pedestrians.
Stormzy’s defense attorney, Peter Csemiczky, expressed his client’s regret over the window tinting issue, stating that the rapper had already taken steps to rectify the situation by removing the illegal tinting. The defense also highlighted that Stormzy had cooperated with the authorities, apologizing for his actions and ensuring that the necessary changes had been made.
In addition to the nine-month driving ban, Stormzy was fined £2,010 for the offenses, and his license was subjected to six additional penalty points. These points were added to his record as a result of the mobile phone incident, which brings the total number of points on his license to 12. In the UK, accumulating 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period typically leads to a driving ban, which makes Stormzy’s case all the more significant. The rapper, who did not attend court in person, now faces a period of restricted mobility due to his legal issues.
Stormzy, known for his outspoken social and political commentary, has had his fair share of public scrutiny. This case serves as a reminder that even high-profile figures are subject to the same laws as the general public, and their actions can have consequences that extend beyond their professional lives. The rapper’s involvement in multiple legal incidents related to driving raises questions about responsibility and accountability, particularly given his influence and the example he sets for his fans.
As Stormzy works to resolve his legal issues, it remains to be seen how this case will impact his public image. The rapper, however, has already expressed regret and seems committed to making changes. His legal challenges highlight the importance of adhering to road safety laws and serve as a cautionary tale for others in the public eye.
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