Former X Factor contestant Chico, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani, has been found guilty of drink-driving following an incident in north London last December. The case attracted attention both because of the defendant’s public profile and because of the personal circumstances he described to the court. It is nonetheless a clear illustration of how the law applies regardless of background, intent, or personal distress.
What happened
Slimani, aged 55, was convicted at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 9 April 2026 of driving a Vauxhall Astra with 40 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath on Chase Way, Southgate, on 13 December 2025. The legal limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.
He was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £600, and ordered to pay a £240 surcharge and £620 in costs. He was offered a place on a drink-drive rehabilitation course, which would reduce his disqualification by a quarter upon successful completion.
The defendant’s account
Slimani told the court that he had consumed Famous Grouse whisky between 1am and 7am on the day in question, following what he described as a third bereavement in a short period. He said: “On that fateful day, I’m teetotal, I don’t drink, and it felt like I was going out of my mind, couldn’t take it, so I drank.”
He also told the court he had taken Nyquil, a cold and flu remedy containing alcohol, at around 5.30pm before being stopped at approximately 6.30pm that evening. A toxicologist, Sarah Morley, calculated that the Nyquil would have contributed approximately 2 micrograms per 100 millilitres to his breath reading. However, she noted she could not verify the accuracy of the information provided to her.
Slimani acknowledged that he had not informed police when asked whether he had consumed any drugs or medicines.
The arresting officer’s evidence
The arresting officer, PC Yuksel, told the court he had noticed Slimani’s behaviour during an unrelated exchange with a colleague. He described Slimani’s facial expressions as “quite vivid” and said his demeanour had appeared to be that of someone under the influence of alcohol. When asked directly whether he had consumed alcohol, Slimani’s manner changed noticeably, shifting from animated to defensive.
Slimani was subsequently breathalysed and, having failed the roadside test, was taken to a police station for a further test.
The court’s findings
District Judge Mark Jabbitt found the case proven, stating: “It is inevitable that I will find the case proven.” He said he was “generally sympathetic” to Slimani’s bereavements, but not to excessive drinking or to taking medication without first checking its effect on the ability to drive.
What this case illustrates
There are several important points that arise from this conviction.
First, personal distress, however genuine, does not provide a legal defence to drink-driving. The offence is one of strict liability: if a driver is over the prescribed limit, the offence is made out, regardless of the reason for drinking.
Second, many over-the-counter medicines, including cold and flu remedies, contain alcohol and can contribute to a positive breath test reading. Drivers have a responsibility to check the contents of any medication before getting behind the wheel, and to seek guidance if they are unsure.
Third, failing to disclose medication to the police when asked is a matter the court will take into account. Transparency during the arrest procedure is always advisable, and legal advice should be sought at the earliest opportunity.
Facing a drink-drive charge?
If you have been charged with drink-driving or any other motoring offence, it is important not to delay in seeking legal advice. The circumstances of your case, including any mitigating factors, need to be properly presented to achieve the best possible outcome.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
