Driver, 23, pleads guilty to killing Brit rapper Cadet, 28, after grime star’s crash death on way to gig at Stoke uni
A 23-YEAR-OLD driver has pleaded guilty to killing British rapper Cadet, 28, after the grime star was killed on his way to a gig.
Jordon Birch appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to face a charge of causing the rapper's death in the early hours of February 9.
Cadet, whose real name was Blaine Cameron Johnson, was on his way to perform at the Keele University student union with three other people when they were hit.
Birch, of Woore, also admitted to causing serious injury to Kahif Usman by dangerous driving.
His lawyer Peter Cooper told the court Birch was sorry for for what he did.
Cooper said: "He is appalled and he offers his full apology.
"Not that it changes anything, he offers a full apology to members of the bereaved family.
"He is not hoping to gain by it, he just wants to say it.”
Cadet was a passenger in a Toyota Prius taxi when his cab was involved with a crash with a Vauxhall Combo van.
The rapper, who was based in South London, was pronounced dead at the scene on the A531 in Betley.
'UNDERRATED LEGEND'
Cadet's heartbroken family confirmed his death in a statement on his Instagram, saying: "We the family of Blaine Cameron Johnson known as Cadet (Underrated Legend) would like to share the sad news that during the early hours of 9th February 2019 he passed away as a passenger in a taxi, en route to a performance.
"Right now we the family appreciate your patience and will share with you any information as and when we can. Thanks for your support in advance."
Cadet's best-known tracks included Letter To Krept, Instagram Girls and Advice, as well as two EPs, The Commitment and The Commitment 2.
He supported Krept & Konan on their The Long Way Home tour, as well as touring with Bugzy Malone.
Cadet last posted on Instagram three days ago when he shared a picture of himself performing on stage, with the caption: "Home."
The rising star, who found success on YouTube, was due to perform at Wireless Festival 2019.
Announcing his schedule, the festival said: "The proclaimed 'Underrated Legend', Cadet, stepped into the music scene during the second half of 2015 with a hard-hitting freestyle reaching over half a million views in just a few months.
"This was quickly followed by another heartfelt freestyle, Cadet is tipped for an unstoppable career."
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