Skepta acquitted: British grime artist and producer Skepta has been acquitted of drug-driving allegations after a court ruled there was insufficient evidence to support the charge. The case was dismissed following expert testimony that cast doubt on the accuracy of the drug test results.
Skepta acquitted of drug-driving charge
Skepta, whose real name is Joseph Adenuga, faced charges of driving with a specified controlled drug above the legal limit. The incident occurred in High Wycombe, where officers stopped him after observing him overtaking a vehicle in the outside lane while exceeding the 30mph speed limit.
During the stop, the officer reported detecting the smell of cannabis in Skepta’s Mercedes-Maybach. A roadside drug test was conducted, which initially returned a positive result for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active substance found in cannabis plants. Following this, Skepta was taken to a police station for further testing.
Court proceedings and expert testimony
At High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Arvind Sharma heard from an expert who stated that the reading from the drug test could not be confirmed as accurate. The judge emphasized that the quantity of THC in the sample must meet the criminal standard to proceed with prosecution. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the test results, the judge terminated the proceedings and found Skepta not guilty.
In addition to the drug-driving charge, Skepta faced allegations of speeding in a separate incident where he was accused of travelling at 37mph in a 30mph zone in his Rolls-Royce Phantom. He was also charged with failing to provide information to Thames Valley Police regarding the driver of the vehicle. However, the prosecution decided not to offer further evidence on these matters, and the judge dismissed these charges as well.
Background and compliance during the process
The court was informed that Skepta was cooperative throughout the police process. He resides in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
Skepta is known for his contributions to the grime music scene, with notable songs such as “That’s Not Me,” and has achieved multiple top 10 UK singles and albums.