British rapper Stormzy was banned from driving for nine months after admitting to using his phone while driving his Rolls-Royce through London. The 31-year-old rapper, whose real name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Jr., is well-known for bringing the grime genre of rap into the mainstream. Despite his success in the music industry, his record on the road has been less than stellar, according to a judge at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
District judge Andrew Sweet described Stormzy’s actions as “dangerous and irresponsible”. This isn’t the first time Stormzy has been in trouble for a driving offense. Previously, he put vulnerable road users at risk when he drove a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted windows that only allowed 4% light transmission, much lower than the required 70% for tinting. Additionally, he has a record of speeding, making this latest offense more serious.
Stormzy, who was not present in court for the hearing, pleaded guilty in writing to the cellphone driving charge from March. In addition to the driving ban, he was also fined 2,010 pounds ($2,500) and penalty points were added to his license. Despite the severity of the offense, Stormzy’s defense lawyer, Peter Csemiczky, stated that Stormzy was apologetic and accepted responsibility for his actions.
In England, driving bans are handed down regularly for traffic offenses, both discretionary and mandatory, depending on the nature of the offense. In the case of using a phone while driving, like in Stormzy’s case, the consequences can be severe. Stormzy’s ban and fine serve as a reminder to all drivers about the importance of following the rules of the road and practicing safe driving habits at all times.
While Stormzy’s music career has seen great success, his driving record paints a different picture. Despite being a celebrated artist in the UK, his recent run-ins with the law have garnered attention for the wrong reasons. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for both Stormzy and his fans about the consequences of not following traffic laws and the potential dangers of distracted driving.
Overall, the ban on Stormzy’s driving license, along with the fine and penalty points, sends a clear message about the importance of road safety and the consequences of irresponsible driving. It serves as a reminder that no matter who you are, traffic laws apply to everyone equally, and breaking those laws can result in serious penalties. Stormzy’s case highlights the need for all drivers to prioritize safety on the road and to avoid dangerous behaviors such as using a phone while driving.
