Harlem Spartans drill artist Loski found guilty of possessing loaded revolver

Drill rapper Loski, real name Jyrelle O’Connor, has been found guilty of possessing a firearm after being found with a loaded revolver while riding in an Uber.

The jury’s verdict came on Wednesday (January 4) and comes after a three year long investigation. He is due to be sentenced on Friday January 6 at Croydon Crown Court.

During the trial, the court heard that O’Connor entered an Uber taxi in April 2019 – booked under a false name – which was subsequently pulled over with police looking to question him about the death of his friend Latwaan Griffiths, who was fatally stabbed in 2018, according to a Met Police press statement.

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Upon stopping the vehicle on the A40 in West London, police found a sock stuffed with a loaded 4mm Flobert Calibre Revolver under the seat O’Connor was sitting behind.

His DNA was found on the loading face of the gun’s cylinder, which can only be accessed if it is opened up to see the ammunition.

O’Connor was charged for multiple offences including possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possessing ammunition for a firearm when prohibited for five years, which he denied.

His defence claimed that he was forced to hold onto the gun after a drug dealer threatened his and his mother’s lives, which was rejected by the jury.

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Police argued that he was “fascinated” with guns, having searched for firearms on Google before he was arrested.

Following the trial, Detective Constable Snazell said: “This has been a trying and challenging case with many twists and turns, but I’m pleased the jury found O’Connor guilty of his crimes.

“As part of the trial the jury heard how fascinated O’Connor was by guns and gang lifestyle and on his phone he had been running numerous Google searches for firearms and ammunition in the months prior to his arrest,” Snazell continued.

“O’Connor was an influential individual and had many followers on social media. No amount of fortune or fame justifies his serious criminal actions and I’m confident this will be reflected in the sentence that will be handed down by the Judge.”

O’Connor, 23, was a key member of South London, Kennington-based UK rap group Harlem Spartans AKA Harlem O, along with Blanco, Bis and others.

Isaac Muk is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter