ANDY ANOKYE SENTENCE INCREASED IN BRISTOL AFTER OFFENCES IN LONDON AND BRISTOL
A grime artist previously serving 24 years in prison for imprisoning and repeatedly raping four women has had his sentence extended by an additional six years.Solo 45, whose real name is Andy Anokye, was convicted at Bristol Crown Court last July of 21 rapes, five counts of false imprisonment, two counts of assault by penetration, and two counts of actual bodily harm.
The Court of Appeal subsequently determined that his original sentence was "unduly lenient," and he will now serve 30 years for the 30 charges related to offenses that occurred over a two-year period.
An additional five years of licence have also been imposed to reflect the gravity of his crimes.
Solicitor General Michael Ellis QC described Anokye’s offenses as "truly shocking" and stated that the court's decision to lengthen his sentence acknowledged "the severity of the abuse [Anokye] inflicted upon his victims and the danger he poses to the public." Calls for a life sentence were ultimately rejected.
During the trial, jurors heard that Anokye derived sexual satisfaction from torturing women through methods such as waterboarding, interrogation, assault, and rape.
Evidence revealed that he forced one woman into a bath of freezing water, held a shotgun to another's head, used bleach-soaked cloths near victims’ faces, and even forced a mobile phone down one woman's throat.
Graphic footage filmed on his mobile phone depicting his abuse was played in court.
The 33-year-old musician claimed his actions were part of "role play" or a game called "catch me, rape me," and he admitted to telling the women he would "terrorise" them.
Anokye, originally from London but residing in a harborside apartment in Bristol, testified that he experienced dacryphilia—sexual arousal from tears and sobbing.
Anokye, formerly associated with the grime collective Boy Better Know and signed to Island Records, had collaborated with Stormzy, JME, and Wiley.
When initially sentenced last summer, Judge William Hart told Anokye he lacked "sexual boundaries or empathy for those concerned," and noted his background of gang ties and violence.
The judge added that Anokye had "become addicted" to the "perverted pleasure" obtained from abusing his victims, and emphasized that none of his fellow musicians were aware of his "dark side." The court also highlighted that his conviction deprived him of a promising career, which was his own fault.
Police investigations began in 2017 after a woman reported being raped by him, leading to discovery of the video footage and the identification of three more victims.
A fifth woman also provided evidence, but her case could not proceed as the incident occurred abroad.
Anokye is only eligible for release after serving at least 20 years of his 30-year sentence, contingent on the Parole Board's assessment that he no longer poses a threat.
Following the Court of Appeal ruling, CPS spokeswoman Jill Macnamara expressed her support for the increased sentence, stating that she hopes it bolsters confidence among victims of sexual crimes in police investigative and prosecutorial processes.
