Wiley wanted by police after failing to attend court case
The Met has issued a fresh appeal for details on the rapper's current whereabouts
By Tom Skinner
Wiley is wanted by the Met Police six months after failing to turn up for a court hearing in relation to charges of burglary and assault.
The London rapper – real name is Richard Cowie – was charged with burglary and assault last August, having allegedly broken into the house of ex-kickboxer Ali Jacko. According to reports, Wiley had used Jacko’s home studio at some point prior to the COVID pandemic.
Jacko “sustained a minor injury” during the incident, which occurred while he was relaxing with some friends at his home in Forest Gate, east London.
Wiley was initially due to appear in court on September 13, 2021. However, he was granted an adjournment until September 27 so that he had more time to prepare. It was subsequently reported that Wiley did not turn up for the rescheduled hearing.
In turn, district judge Ross Johnson issued a “warrant not backed for bail” order so that Cowie could be arrested and taken into court.
As the BBC reports, London’s Metropolitan Police issued a fresh appeal yesterday (May 10) which confirmed that Cowie had also failed to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on November 11, 2021. “WANTED: Can you help?” the tweet began.
The post stated that Wiley’s last known location was the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, saying he is known to frequent that area as well as Newham. Those who have any information on Cowie’s whereabouts were asked to contact the Met via phone, Twitter or Crimestoppers. You can find all the details in the tweet below.
Wiley represented himself at Thames Magistrates’ Court on September 13 last year. He faced charges of assault by beating and burglary with intent to cause criminal damage, but did not enter any pleas on that date.
In an official statement issued upon Cowie’s arrest, the Metropolitan Police said: “At around 2200hrs on Saturday 28 August police were called to a flat in Forest Gate. Officers attended the location.
“It was alleged that a man had entered the flat, assaulted the occupant and caused criminal damage to property. The man was arrested and taken into custody. The occupant, an adult male, sustained a minor injury.”