Stormzy, the 31-year-old rapper behind hits like “Vossy Bop” and “Crown,” has been banned from driving for nine months in the U.K. The ban comes after he was caught using his mobile phone behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce Wraith by an off-duty police officer in west London.
The incident took place on March 7, 2024, on Addison Road in West Kensington. The off-duty officer reportedly knocked on the car’s tinted window, telling Stormzy, “Get rid of your tints and get off your phone.”
Court Details and Fine
Stormzy, born Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior, pleaded guilty to the offense in a letter to Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court. On Thursday morning (Jan. 2), District Judge Andrew Sweet called the rapper’s actions “dangerous and irresponsible.”
In addition to the driving ban, Stormzy was fined £2,010 (approximately $2,500). The court revealed that Stormzy already had six penalty points on his license from prior offenses.
Previous Offenses and Apology
The prosecutor, Alice Holloway, highlighted Stormzy’s history of driving offenses, including an incident in October 2023 where he was caught driving a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted front windows. The windows transmitted only 4% of light, far below the 70% legal requirement in the U.K.
Stormzy’s solicitor, Peter Csemiczky, confirmed that the rapper had removed the tints and accepted full responsibility for his actions. “He apologizes unreservedly for his behavior,” Csemiczky said.
Moving Forward
As Stormzy steps back from driving for the next nine months, fans hope the artist will focus on his music and continue delivering hits.