Brit Award-nominated rapper Pa Salieu in court over mass brawl that saw The Specials singer's grandson knifed to death
RAPPER Pa Salieu has appeared in court over the brawl that saw The Specials' singer Neville Staple's grandson stabbed to death.
The Brit-nominated artist was charged with violent disorder following the fatal knifing of Fidel Glasgow outside a Coventry nightclub.
Fidel, 23, died in hospital after he was knifed outside Club M in the early hours of September 1, 2018.
Salieu, 23, appeared at Coventry Magistrates' Courttoday charged with wounding with intent, violent disorder and possession of a glass bottle as an offensive weapon.
He was charged earlier this month following a police inquiry into the 2018 murder.
Hillfields, Coventry, was not asked to enter a formal plea during a three-minute hearing before two magistrates.
IN THE DOCK
Salieu, who appeared in court under his full name of Pa Salieu Gaye, is alleged to have wounded a 23-year-old man who was stabbed during the disorder and subsequently recovered.
The singer is also accused of two violent disorder charges over the violence in Junction Street, Hertford Place and Queen Victoria Road, Coventry.
He was released on bail to appear at Warwick Crown Court on May 27.
The rapper has previously posted on Instagram: "Due to ongoing investigations, I am unable to comment on the detail surrounding the fateful events that occurred back in September 2018.
"Sadly, my close friend Fidel Glasow (AP) was taken from us well before his time."
Salieu, who has 171,000 followers, said in the post he is "engaging with the justice system".
"Please be sensitive to the fact that a real family like yours has lost a loved one. RIP AP," he added.
He shared the message alongside a pic which appeared to show him with Fidel.
The rapper was unveiled as the winner of the BBC Sound of 2021 in January after releasing his debut mixtape in November last year.
It means he is following in the footsteps of Adele, Michael Kiwanuka, Ellie Goulding and others by scooping the accolade.
The Evening Standard described Salieu as "the most exciting new voice in British rap".
In an interview with the newspaper, Salieu revealed how he was shot in the head outside a pub in Coventry in October 2019.
Fidel’s mother, Melanie Staple, has said previously: "Fidel is missed dearly by his family and close friends. All our lives will never be the same.
"I miss his voice round my house and his infectious personality, for what?"
At the time of Fidel's killing, Neville paid tribute to his grandson and confirmed the tragic news on Facebook.
He said: "We are truly devastated to announce the heartbreaking loss of my grandson Fidel (my daughter Melanie's son), who died today as a result of being attacked with a knife in the street.
"We want to thank the hospital staff & surgeons at UHCW University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, who battled all day to try & save him.
"My beautiful daughter Melanie & wife Christine Sugary, all the family and myself are still shocked by this tragedy.
"But would like to thank you all for the kindness & messages we have received. Thank you."
Neville's wife, Christine, told the BBC: "Fidel was just so handsome, so sweet, such a charmer, anyone who met him would always say 'he's just so wonderful, what a lovely boy'."
Source: Read Full Article