Skepta Cleared of Drug-Driving Charge After Court Ruling British grime artist and producer Skepta has been cleared of a drug-driving charge following a court hearing at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court. The artist, whose real name is Joseph Adenuga, was found not guilty after prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence to meet the criminal standard required for conviction. The case stemmed from an incident on May 14, 2024, when Thames Valley Police stopped Adenuga’s Mercedes-Maybach on London Road in High Wycombe. Officers reported smelling cannabis in the vehicle and conducted a roadside test that returned a positive result for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Despite the initial test, the court heard expert testimony indicating uncertainty about the accuracy of the reading. District Judge Arvind Sharma terminated proceedings, stating that the Crown Prosecution Service could not confirm the quantity of THC in the sample met the legal threshold for prosecution. The judge emphasized that without reliable evidence showing the drug level exceeded the specified limit, the case could not proceed. Adenuga, who lives in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was cooperative throughout the process. He faced additional charges related to a separate incident on November 20, 2023, involving alleged speeding in a 30mph zone whereas driving a Rolls-Royce Phantom and failing to provide information about the vehicle’s driver. These matters were also dismissed after the prosecution confirmed it would not offer further evidence. The ruling means Skepta avoids any penalty related to the drug-driving allegation. He remains known for influential tracks such as “That’s Not Me” and has achieved multiple top 10 singles and albums in the UK. His legal team has not issued a public statement following the verdict.
62