‘Godfather of Grime’ Wiley wanted by police

Grime star Wiley is wanted by police after failing to appear in court on assault and burglary charges.

The Metropolitan Police has issued a fresh appeal to trace the 43-year-old musician, whose real name is Richard Cowie.

A warrant was issued for his arrest in September after he failed to turn up in court to face allegations of assault and burglary at the home of a former kickboxer.

He is accused of breaking into a flat in Forest Gate, east London, in August, before smashing plates and assaulting Ali Jacko.

The rapper had been using Mr Jacko’s recording studio before the pandemic.

Wiley, who is known as the Godfather of Grime, was awarded an MBE for his services to music in 2018.

A Met Police spokesman told Sky News: “A court warrant has been issued for the arrest of Richard Cowie, 43, of Tower Hamlets, who failed to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 11 November 2021.

“Cowie had been due to appear having been bailed at an earlier hearing.

“He is charged with one count of assault by beating and a further count of burglary with intent to cause damage.

“The charges relate to an incident in Romford Road, Forest Gate on Saturday 28 August.”