Rapper Solo 45 gets 24-year jail for rape and assault
What's the story
Rapper Andy Anokye, who goes by the stage name Solo 45, has fallen from his ascent to fame after he was jailed for 24 years on Thursday under charges of repeatedly raping four women he imprisoned. A string of investigations against this artist from the UK was on since 2017 after a woman accused him of raping her at his waterfront apartment in Bristol.
Crime
Trigger warning: What are the charges against him?
A part of the grime collective Boy Better Know, Anokye had collaborated with Grime stars Stormzy and Wiley. His ties with the collective were severed due to allegations against him. After three years of trial, a Bristol court convicted him for 21 rapes, five counts of false imprisonment, two counts of assault causing bodily harm and two counts of assault by penetration.
Facts
He was "aroused" by hearing someone cry
The convicted artist said he played the game 'Catch Me, Rape Me' and that he has dacryphilia, an unusual human behavior causing sexual arousal by watching and hearing someone cry. Strengthening this admission were several graphic clips found on Anokye's phone. One of those videos shows a victim crying and saying, "I hate you," to which Anokye laughs and shows a thumbs-up sign.
Verdict
Judge says nobody knew of Anokye's crime
Another victim accused Anokye of waterboarding her by putting a flannel on her face, filling it with water, and abusing her. The jury had to witness several disturbing clips after which Judge William Hart said Anokye became a victim of "perverted pleasure." He added that no other member of his famous collective was aware of his fetishes. They have become successful, Hart maintained.
Quote
Here's what Judge William Hart said during sentencing
"You were part of a well-known collective - Boy Better Know. The fellow artists from that collective have achieved great success. But none of those artists, dedicated to their craft, knew of your dark side," the judge said.
Context
Looking back at other rap artists who faced similar charges
Many rap artists have been found to face legal action for various charges including sexual harassment. In 2002, rapper Carlos Coy a.k.a. South Park Mexican was handed over a 45-year jail term for sexually assaulting a child. Weeks after rapper Akhiym "Tech 9" Mickens died on March 24, 2019, charges of child pornography, indecent exposure and unlawful contact with a minor surfaced against him.