Yousseph Slimani, known as Chico from The X Factor, has been convicted of drink-driving following a court ruling this week. He admitted to breaking his sobriety after the loss of a close friend, which led to the offence.
The 55-year-old was found over the legal alcohol limit while driving in north London last December. The case was heard at Willesden Magistrates’ Court, where Slimani explained that he had been teetotal until he consumed whisky for several hours after losing a third friend to cancer.
Describing the experience as overwhelming, he said he “couldn’t take it” and turned to alcohol despite his long-standing abstinence. Police stopped Slimani in Southgate and recorded a breath alcohol level of 40 microgrammes per 100 millilitres, exceeding the legal limit of 35.
He also revealed that he had taken cold and flu medication before driving but did not inform the officers at the time, stating that his mind was “going at 600,000 mph” following his arrest. Slimani assured the court that he has not consumed alcohol since the incident.
The defendant highlighted the severe impact the case has had on his reputation and career, describing the consequences as a “catastrophe.” The judge expressed sympathy for Slimani’s bereavements but emphasized that drinking excessively and driving cannot be justified.
As a result, Slimani was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined, along with additional costs and a surcharge. He was also offered a drink-driver rehabilitation course, which could potentially reduce his ban if completed successfully.
Chico gained fame on The X Factor in 2005, reaching the quarter-finals before achieving a number one hit with his single “It’s Chico Time” in 2006.
