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  "path": "/latest/x-factor-star-chico-found-guilty-of-drink-driving-after-breaking-sobriety-in-grief/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-10T08:57:55.000Z",
  "site": "https://humenglish.com",
  "tags": [
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    "Latest",
    "X Factor star Chico found guilty of drink-driving after breaking sobriety in grief",
    "HUM News English"
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  "textContent": "Former  _The X Factor_ contestant Chico has been found guilty of drink-driving after a court delivered its verdict this week, telling the hearing he broke his sobriety following the death of a close friend.\n\nChico, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani, was convicted at Willesden Magistrates’ Court after being caught over the legal alcohol limit while driving in north London in December.\n\nThe 55-year-old told the court he had been teetotal before drinking whisky for several hours after losing a third friend to cancer.\n\nHe described the moment as overwhelming, saying he “couldn’t take it” and turned to alcohol despite his long-standing sobriety.\n\nThe court heard Slimani had 40 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath when stopped by police in Southgate. The legal limit is 35.\n\nHe also said he had taken cold and flu medication before driving, but did not inform officers at the time, explaining his mind was “going at 600,000 mph” following his arrest.\n\nSlimani told the court he had not consumed alcohol since the incident.\n\nHe added that the case had already taken a serious toll, pointing to damage to his reputation and work, calling the fallout a “catastrophe”.\n\nThe judge said he was sympathetic to Slimani’s bereavements but stressed that excessive drinking and driving could not be excused.\n\nSlimani 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 reduce his ban if completed.\n\nChico rose to fame on  _The X Factor_ in 2005, reaching the quarter-finals before releasing his number one single ‘It’s Chico Time’ in 2006.\n\nThe post X Factor star Chico found guilty of drink-driving after breaking sobriety in grief appeared first on HUM News English.",
  "title": "X Factor star Chico found guilty of drink-driving after breaking sobriety in grief"
}