Yahoo Lifestyle Stormzy Banned for 9 Months from the Road After Using Cellphone While Driving
The British rapper pleaded guilty to the charge and was also fined about $2,400
Jo Hale/Redferns
Stormzy in February 2023Stormzy won't be on the road for a while.
According to the BBC on Thursday, Jan. 2, the British rapper (whose real name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior) has been banned from driving for nine months after he was caught using a cellphone 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 of last year, per the publication.
Related: Victoria Monét Spotted Kissing Rapper Stormzy Just Weeks After Announcing Split from Ex John Gaines
When he was stopped, the officer reportedly knocked on the Grime star's tinted car window and told him, “Get rid of your tints and get off 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 (roughly $2,400) and was issued penalty points on his license. (Stormzy already had six points on his license for previous speeding infractions, according to the court.)
Stormzy did not attend his Thursday, Jan. 2 hearing at the Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court in person. Instead, his lawyer, Peter Csemiczky, said his client had apologized and accepted his punishment.
The presiding judge, Andrew Sweet, called the incident involving Stormzy “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 in an incident that occurred in October 2023, per the BBC.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Hugh R Hastings/Getty
Stormzy in August 2024In 2022, Stormzy released his most recent album, This Is What I Mean.
Over the last two years, he's dropped 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
