Rapper Ghetts Sentenced to 12 Years for Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
Rapper Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in a hit-and-run collision that resulted in the death of a Nepalese student. The 41-year-old grime artist failed to stop after his BMW struck 20-year-old Yubin Tamang in Ilford, northeast London, on October 18 last year.
Victim's Family Expresses Profound Grief in Court
Yubin Tamang, who had moved to the UK from Nepal to pursue further education, succumbed to his injuries in hospital two days after the crash. During the trial at the Old Bailey, his mother, Sharmila Tamang, delivered an emotional witness statement via an interpreter, describing the "extreme pain" and "unimaginable sense of loss" of losing her only child. She recounted how her son had dreamed of earning a degree in the UK, a goal tragically cut short near their home as he returned from work.
Details of the Dangerous Driving Revealed
Evidence presented in court showed that Clarke-Samuel was driving his BMW M5 at 74mph in a 30mph zone moments before hitting Mr. Tamang, who was crossing Redbridge Lane at 11:33 pm. The impact occurred at 67mph, more than double the speed limit, and threw the victim into the air before he crashed to the ground. Clarke-Samuel did not stop at the scene or contact emergency services, and it was later revealed he had been involved in an earlier collision with a Mercedes and narrowly avoided hitting a cyclist.
Defence Highlights Remorse and Guilt
Speaking for the defence, Benjamin Aina KC read a letter from Clarke-Samuel in which the rapper expressed "extreme regret, shame and remorse" for his actions. Clarke-Samuel apologized to the Tamang family, the community, his own family, and the court, acknowledging aggravating factors such as erratic driving and fleeing the scene. He stated, "I cannot express the enormous feeling of guilt and shame for the suffering I have caused," and offered no excuses for his behavior.
Legal Proceedings and Additional Charges
Clarke-Samuel, who appeared in court wearing all black and showed no expression, has been in custody since his initial appearance at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on October 27. In December, he admitted to a separate charge of dangerous driving in central London and other areas prior to the fatal incident. As part of his sentence, he has been disqualified from driving.
Background on Ghetts' Career
Justin Clarke-Samuel, known professionally as Ghetts, is a prominent figure in the UK music scene. A two-time Mercury Prize nominee, he has collaborated with artists like Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran, performed at Glastonbury multiple times, and won awards including best male act at the 2021 MOBO Awards. He also starred in the Netflix series Supacell. This case marks a significant fall from grace for the artist, whose actions have drawn widespread condemnation.
