British grime star Skepta, whose real name is Joseph Adenuga, is standing trial on charges including alleged drug-driving and speeding in his Rolls-Royce Phantom. The 43-year-old musician was arrested after a police officer pulled him over for driving "recklessly" and reported smelling cannabis in his vehicle, a court has heard.
Arrest and Charges
The incident occurred on London Road in High Wycombe on May 14, 2024. According to prosecutor Lucy Curran, Adenuga was stopped by PC Talan O'Neill after the officer observed him driving recklessly. The Thames Valley Police officer testified that he saw Adenuga overtaking a vehicle on the outside lane at a speed exceeding the 30mph limit.
After pulling over, PC O'Neill noted a "smell of cannabis in the vehicle." A roadside drug test conducted at 10.54am returned a positive result for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound found in cannabis. Adenuga was then arrested and taken to a police station.
Court Proceedings
Appearing at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on Thursday, Adenuga confirmed his name, date of birth, and address as the trial began. He is charged with driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit. The court heard that Adenuga was driving a Mercedes-Maybach at the time of his arrest.
Adenuga, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, previously pleaded not guilty to the offence. The trial continues, with further evidence expected to be presented.
Background
Skepta is a prominent figure in the grime music scene, known for hits like "Shutdown" and "That's Not Me." He has won multiple awards, including a Mercury Prize for his album "Konnichiwa." The case has drawn significant media attention due to his celebrity status.
