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ILFORD, LONDON — British grime artist Justin Clarke-Samuel, professionally known as Ghetts, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following a high-speed hit-and-run that claimed the life of 20-year-old Nepalese student Yubin Tamang.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the 41-year-old musician has been disqualified from driving for 17 years after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
The Fatal Incident: A "Shocking" Chain of Events
The court heard harrowing details of the night of October 18, when Clarke-Samuel’s BMW M5 struck Mr. Tamang in Ilford. Evidence presented by the prosecution revealed:
Extreme Speed: The rapper was traveling at 74mph in a 30mph zone moments before the impact.
Point of Collision: Mr. Tamang was hit at 67mph while crossing Redbridge Lane at 11:33 PM.
Failed to Stop: Clarke-Samuel did not stop at the scene, continuing to drive for eight miles.
Post-Crash Actions: After returning home, the court heard he consumed several shots of vodka and a cannabis cookie before his arrest hours later.
Judge Mark Lucraft KC described the CCTV footage of the rapper’s driving as a "quite appalling litany of incidents," noting that he had narrowly avoided a cyclist and collided with another vehicle earlier that same evening.
Heartbreak for the Victim’s Family
Yubin Tamang had moved to the UK from Nepal to pursue his education and build a future for his family. His mother, Sharmila Tamang, broke down in court while describing the "unimaginable loss" of her only child.
"Justin Clarke-Samuel has stolen our son's future and ours with it," a family spokesperson stated. "He came to the UK to study and create a better life... we can never forgive him."
Defence Claims and Sentencing
The defense, led by Benjamin Aina KC, presented a letter from Clarke-Samuel expressing "extreme regret, shame, and remorse." The rapper claimed he was driving erratically because he feared he was being followed, though investigators found no evidence of a pursuit on CCTV.
While the judge acknowledged the rapper’s "genuine remorse" and his past community work through music, he emphasized that such "good work is marred" by the decision to drive while intoxicated and at lethal speeds.
Who is Ghetts?
Justin Clarke-Samuel is a prominent figure in the UK music scene:
Awards: Two-time Mercury Prize nominee and winner of the 2021 MOBO Best Male Act.
Collaborations: Has worked with global stars including Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, and Skepta.
Acting: Recently starred as "Krazy" in the hit Netflix series Supacell.