A jury has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict in the case of the rapper Loski, who is accused of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and related charges.
Jyrelle O’Connor, 21, who performs as Loski, has millions of views on YouTube and other social platforms. He was charged with various offences related to possession of a firearm, one with intent to endanger life, and possession of ammunition. He denies the charges against him and claims he was forced to hold on to the gun after a drug dealer made threats against his and his mother’s lives.
The jury began its deliberations on 17 May 2021 and was given the option by the judge in the case, Elizabeth Smaller, at Croydon crown court, of coming back with a majority verdict.
However, the jury foreman told the judge on Thursday that the members were unable to agree on either a unanimous or a majority verdict, and so the judge discharged the hung jury.
This is the second time that the judge has discharged a jury in this case. In February 2020 the judge discharged the jury part way through the case after the prosecutor fell ill.
A hearing has been scheduled for 7 June at Croydon crown court to determine whether or not the case will be heard for a third time.
O’Connor released a new album in November 2020, Music, Trial and Trauma: a Drill Story, featuring guest appearances from Stormzy, Akala, Davido, the Streets’ Mike Skinner and Emeli Sandé. He signed to Sony in March 2018. The Canadian rapper Drake said O’Connor inspired his album Scorpion.
O’Connor found success in 2016 after releasing several tracks on YouTube, including Forrest Gump, which has been viewed more than 14m times.
