October 24th 2024.
Asco, known by his stage name Asco AKA Asfa Allen, has been released early from a 12-year sentence for his involvement in a county lines drug operation. The government's early release scheme has granted him freedom, along with fellow rapper Young Dizz (real name Isaac Donkoh), who was serving time for kidnapping and torturing a 16-year-old.
Pictures of Asco wearing a face mask and smoking what appeared to be a joint under neon lights in a fancy minibus have surfaced on social media, causing excitement among his fans. He even captioned one of the photos with 'outside', signifying his first taste of freedom. The rapper was released on Tuesday as part of the second phase of the government's plan to ease overcrowding in prisons.
Asco wasted no time in indulging in the 'bling' lifestyle, sharing pictures of himself and a friend being chauffeured in the minibus to a high street, as well as flaunting a diamond watch. He even posted a video of himself arriving at a balloon-filled party in celebration of his 37th birthday.
Before his arrest, Asco was making up to £1,500 a day as the head of a county lines gang that dealt drugs from London to Essex. He was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in 2019, but thanks to the early release scheme, he has been granted his freedom.
BBC Radio 1 DJ Tiffany Calver was among those who welcomed Asco's release, expressing her excitement with three raised hand emojis on Instagram. She even referred to him as a promising artist, as he had signed a deal with Warner Bros in 2018, with the potential to earn up to £1 million.
The urban music presenter also responded to news of his release with joy, writing, "Came home on my Gday, the rest is history... Allhamdullilah."
Asco's promising music career was put on hold due to a police investigation, which resulted in officers raiding 15 properties across London and the home counties. They seized £25,000 in cash, half a kilogram of heroin, designer shoes, and vehicles.
During his sentencing, Judge Gregory Perrins told Asco, "You held and controlled the drugs line until your music career took off in the summer of 2018. Even when your music career took off, you still maintained control of the drugs business. You made a significant amount of money and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle funded by drug dealing."
Despite his talent for music, the judge also noted that Asco had no one to blame but himself for jeopardizing his career.
News of his release was announced on the TMC Music Connoisseur X channel, stating that Asco had been freed as part of the government's initiative to free up prison space. They also shared a music video of Asco rapping in front of a Rolls-Royce and being driven through London in the car.
In an interview with the AmardonTV channel, Asco mentioned that his music has more depth than just drill or trap-style lyrics. He also spoke about his faith, saying, "My religion is important, and I'm not hiding away from Islam."
It is understood that Asco's sentence qualified for the second phase of the early release scheme, which took place on October 22. The measure is being taken to avoid the collapse of the criminal justice system, according to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
The second phase of releases, which is part of her plan to free up around 5,500 places, applies to those serving sentences of five years or more. Certain custodial sentences have been reduced from 50% to 40% under the scheme, excluding sexual and serious violence offenses.
Ms. Mahmood has warned of the consequences if immediate action is not taken, saying there could be a total breakdown of law and order. She made these statements while visiting HMP Five Wells in July, where she stressed the importance of the early release scheme.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice stated that the government had inherited a prison system on the brink of collapse and that the early release program was necessary to avert a crisis. They also mentioned building more prison places and implementing a Sentencing Review to reduce reoffending and crime.
In related news, Young Dizz, who was also released under the early release scheme, has caused controversy due to his violent past. Some people believe that prison staff are afraid of gangs and have no morals or boundaries, while others argue that the scheme is necessary to avoid the collapse of the criminal justice system.
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