Stormzy has been banned from driving for nine months after an undercover police officer caught him using a phone behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce in west London. The rapper, real name Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior, 31, pleaded guilty via a letter to driving the Rolls-Royce Wraith while using his device on Addison Road, west Kensington, shortly after 3.30pm on March 7, 2024.
The undercover officer knocked on his “tinted” passenger window and told him to “get rid of your tints and get off your phone”, Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday. Previously, Owuo admitted driving a Lamborghini Urus with front windows illegally tinted to only 4% light transmission, well below the required 70%. The prosecutor, Alice Holloway, stated that the vehicle’s use was dangerous and put vulnerable road users at risk.
Owuo had been warned about the windows before being stopped by officers on Coombe Lane, Kingston upon Thames, at about 12.45pm on October 17, 2023. Before the recent hearing, he had six points on his licence. District judge Andrew Sweet, who did not find Stormzy present in court, banned the rapper from driving for nine months and fined him £2,010. He criticized Owuo’s driving record as “not good” and condemned his “dangerous and irresponsible” actions.
In a statement, Peter Csemiczky, the defending lawyer, mentioned that Owuo takes responsibility for his actions and has already removed the tints from his vehicles. Stormzy has publicly accepted his mistake and apologised for his behaviour. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and adhering to driving regulations to ensure the safety of all road users.
Stormzy, known for his music and activism, has now faced consequences for his actions on the road. It is crucial for celebrities and public figures to set a positive example for their fans and followers, both on and off the road. It remains to be seen how Stormzy will use this experience to raise awareness about safe driving practices and the importance of obeying traffic laws.
In summary, Stormzy has been banned from driving for nine months and fined for using his phone while driving and having illegal window tints. The rapper has accepted responsibility for his actions and apologised for his behaviour, highlighting the significance of road safety for all drivers. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to driving regulations and setting a positive example for others, even for high-profile individuals like Stormzy.