London Rapper Ghetts Sentenced to 12 Years for Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
Award-winning rapper Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been handed a 12-year prison sentence for killing a young man in a hit-and-run collision in North East London. The 41-year-old grime artist was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The fatal incident occurred on October 18, 2025, at approximately 11:33 pm on Redbridge Lane in Ilford. Clarke-Samuel was driving his BMW M5 at speeds exceeding 70 mph in a 30 mph zone when he struck 20-year-old Yubin Tamang as the victim was crossing the road. Mr. Tamang was catapulted into the air and sustained catastrophic injuries, dying in hospital two days later.
Following the collision, Clarke-Samuel failed to stop and continued driving dangerously for eight miles back to his home in King's Avenue, Woodford, East London. He arrived over 15 minutes later without contacting emergency services. Police arrested him the next morning after detecting alcohol on his breath and finding his significantly damaged vehicle at the property.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the televised sentencing, Judge Mark Lucraft KC described CCTV footage showing a "quite appalling litany of incidents" leading up to the fatal collision as "simply shocking." The court heard that Clarke-Samuel had been drinking at Omi Lounge in central London earlier that evening and was approximately one-and-a-half times over the legal drink-drive limit.
Prosecutor Philip McGhee detailed how the defendant had failed to stop at six red traffic lights, repeatedly veered onto the wrong side of the road, mounted curbs, and collided with a motorcyclist and a Mercedes before hitting Mr. Tamang. Clarke-Samuel also admitted to dangerous driving on other London roads in Camden, Islington, and Hackney on the same day.
In addition to the 12-year prison sentence, Judge Lucraft disqualified Clarke-Samuel from driving for 17 years. The judge acknowledged the defendant's "genuine remorse" and noted he had read letters of support, including from Clarke-Samuel's partner, highlighting how the rapper had used his music career to positively impact his community.
Victim Impact and Family Statements
Mr. Tamang's mother, Sharmila Tamang, addressed the court in tears, stating: "My son had come for studies to this place but because of somebody's mistakes he has died at a very small age. Yubin was our only child. My son had come for his studies to the UK saying the UK had the best degree in the world."
In a statement read to the court, Mr. Tamang's roommate Sushant Khadka said: "Yubin was only 20 years old. He had dreams, ambition, plans for his future." He emphasized that the incident had not only led to the loss of a life "full of promise" but had permanently affected the lives of others.
Defense Mitigation and Previous Record
In mitigation, Ben Aina KC read extracts from a letter Clarke-Samuel had written apologizing to Mr. Tamang's family. The rapper stated: "I write from a place of extreme regret, shame and remorse. I am fully aware that there are no number of apologies that I can say which will soothe the pain that the family and friends of Mr. Tamang must feel."
Clarke-Samuel added: "It was truly an unintentional act on my part and I am so sincerely sorry for the suffering and emotional distress that I have caused. I fully understand that I must face consequences for my actions and I accept that I must now be punished."
The defense explained that Clarke-Samuel had developed fears after being robbed at gunpoint at a studio in 2017, though no evidence supported his claim that someone was following him on the night of the incident. The court was informed that Clarke-Samuel typically used taxis or had a driver when going out, but "sadly that was not the case on October 18."
The defendant had 12 previous convictions for 27 crimes dating back to age 16, including robbery, aggravated vehicle taking, and driving offences.
Background of the Artist
Ghetts is a critically acclaimed rapper and songwriter who has collaborated with prominent artists including Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran. He has performed multiple times at Glastonbury, including in 2024, and won best male act at the 2021 Mobo Awards, receiving the Mobo pioneer award in 2024.
The artist also starred as a gang leader named "Krazy" in the Netflix sci-fi series Supacell, which follows five black south Londoners who unexpectedly develop superpowers. Despite his professional success, the court proceedings have highlighted the tragic consequences of his actions on that fateful October night.
