Rapper Ghetts jailed for killing student in hit-and-run
Grime Musician Ghetts Sentenced for Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
Grime artist Justin Clarke-Samuel, known professionally as Ghetts, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing the death of a Nepalese student during a hit-and-run accident. In addition, Clarke-Samuel has been banned from operating a vehicle for a 17-year period.
Clarke-Samuel, 41, failed to halt his BMW after colliding with 20-year-old Yubin Tamang in October. The 41-year-old had confessed to causing death through reckless driving in Ilford, located in the northeastern part of London. Tamang, who had relocated to the UK from Nepal for educational purposes, succumbed to his injuries two days following the accident.
Victim’s Family Statement
A spokesperson for Mr Tamang’s parents shared their emotional response:
“We speak today with hearts broken beyond repair. Our only child, a precious soul, has been taken from us far too soon. He came to the UK to study and create a better life for himself and his family. Justin Clarke-Samuel has stolen our son’s future and ours with it. We are relieved that Justin Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty and that he has now been jailed, but we can never forgive him for what he has done.”
Emotional Impact in Court
Earlier in the proceedings, Tamang’s mother, Sharmila Tamang, collapsed in court, expressing the “intense sorrow” and “incredible sense of loss” of losing her sole child. Evidence indicated Clarke-Samuel, 41, was operating his BMW M5 at 74 mph in a 30 mph zone just before the collision as he crossed Redbridge Lane at 11:33 pm on October 18. Clarke-Samuel then failed to stop at the scene.
During the sentencing, Judge Mark Lucraft KC noted Clarke-Samuel’s composed demeanor, with the defendant seated in the dock in all-black attire and maintaining a stoic expression throughout the proceedings. Clarke-Samuel has been in detention since his initial appearance at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on October 27.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
The judge remarked that the CCTV evidence revealed a “remarkably disturbing sequence of events” preceding the fatal crash, which he characterized as “truly alarming.” After the accident, Clarke-Samuel continued driving for eight miles before returning home and consuming six or seven shots of Ciroc vodka alongside a “cannabis cookie,” as per court records.
When arrested several hours later, the BMW was found parked near his residence, showing significant damage including a shattered windscreen, extensive marks on the bonnet, front bumper injuries, and a missing wing mirror cover. The court was informed that Clarke-Samuel had claimed he drove dangerously due to fearing someone was following him, yet no evidence of pursuit was captured on CCTV.
The judge acknowledged Clarke-Samuel’s “genuine remorse” and prior community contributions, stating:
“Your music has provided you with a following and a significant financial reward… I acknowledge that you have used that to good effect and done much to support many others.”
He concluded by calling it a “real shame” that “all that good work is marred by driving in drink and taking the life of another young man.”
Defense Argument
Speaking for the defense, Benjamin Aina KC presented Clarke-Samuel’s remorseful letter, which read:
“I write from a place of extreme regret, shame and remorse… I cannot express the enormous feeling of guilt and shame for the suffering I have caused.”
The letter further expressed Clarke-Samuel’s apology to “the family of Mr Tamang, the community at large, to his own family, and to the court for his actions on that Saturday night of October last year.”
Additional Incidents
The court disclosed Clarke-Samuel had engaged in a collision with a Mercedes on the same night and had narrowly evaded a cyclist. Prosecutor Philip McGhee highlighted that the vehicle struck Tamang at 67 mph, more than double the permitted speed limit in the area.