The jury in the trial of a grime artist accused of imprisoning and raping four women has been discharged because of illness.
Andy Anokye, who performs under the stage name Solo 45, denied 31 charges against him at Bristol crown court.
The charges, relating to four complainants, include 22 counts of rape and five counts of false imprisonment.
The judge William Hart said on Wednesday one of the jurors had been become ill and the case would have to be adjourned.
“With the greatest regret, I am going to discharge you and the absent juror from further service in this case,” he told the jury. “I do that with a heavy heart. There really is no alternative.”
During the five-week trial, the jury listened to Christopher Quinlan QC, prosecuting, open the case. Jurors also watched a video interview with the first complainant and viewed four clips allegedly filmed by Anokye.
Prosecutors alleged the footage showed the woman being raped while Anokye’s defence insisted all sexual activity was consensual.
Anokye, 31, from Bristol, is a member of the grime collective Boy Better Know. Quinlan described the genre as “a form of dance music influenced by garage music”, with notable artists including Skepta and Stormzy.
The prosecutor said neither artist had anything to do with the case against Anokye, though their names would feature in it.
