Rapper Solo 45 was sentenced Thursday to 24 years in prison for inflicting rape and forcible confinement on four women, filming some of his acts with his cell phone. He was part of Boy Better Know, a collective of grime artists, a mix of hip-hop and rap that appeared in the 2000s in the United Kingdom.
Solo 45 subjected its victims to torture sessions, mock drowning and interrogations. The 33-year-old rapper argued that it was consensual role-playing, or a game titled 'Catch Me, Rape Me', and claimed he was warning his partners that he "said" them. would terrorize ”.
Police opened an investigation following a young woman's rape complaint in 2017. After arresting him, investigators discovered videos on his cell phone showing that he had assaulted several women.
A "dangerous", "calculating and highly manipulative" man
During sentencing, Judge William Heart emphasized the accused's lack of “boundaries” and empathy for his victims. During the trial, images of his misdeeds were broadcast, showing in particular one of his victims in tears, shouting "I hate you". His sentence is accompanied by a lifetime registration in the sex offender file.
The rest of the group ignored the young man's "dark side", who had a bright future ahead of him. He had signed with the record company Island Records and had notably collaborated with Stormzy.
"Your conviction deprives you of this career but the fault lies only with you", launched the judge. The prosecutor described him as a "dangerous", "calculating and highly manipulative" man. His lawyer has indicated that he wishes to undergo treatment because of his behavior.
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