LONDON (AP) — British rapper Stormzy He was given a nine-month driving ban on Thursday after admitting driving a Rolls-Royce in London while using a mobile phone.
The 31-year-old, whose real name is Michael Ebenezer Owuo Jr., is credited with bringing the grime genre of rap into the commercial mainstream. His debut album 'Gang Signs and Prayer' won Album of the Year at the 2018 Brit Awards and was named Britain's Best Male Solo Artist, an honor he also achieved in 2020.
But his record on the road was poor, a judge told Wimbledon Magistrates' Court.
District Judge Andrew Sweet said Stormzy's actions were “dangerous and irresponsible”.
Prosecutor Alice Holloway said Stormzy had previously driven a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted windows, “putting vulnerable road users at risk”. The windows had only 4% light transmission, a fraction of the 70% required for tinting.
Stormzy did not appear at the hearing but pleaded guilty in writing to a mobile phone driving charge from March. He previously admitted a 2023 tinting offense and also had a speeding record.
The rapper was also fined 2,010 pounds ($2,500) and had demerit points added to his licence.
Defense lawyer Peter Chemitzky said Stormzy had apologized and accepted responsibility.
Driving bans are regularly issued for traffic offenses in the UK. Depending on the nature of the violation, using a phone while driving may be optional or mandatory.
