UK Rapper Ghetts Imprisoned for 12 Years Over Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
Award-winning British rapper Ghetts has been sentenced to 12 years in prison at the Old Bailey for causing the death of a student in a hit-and-run collision while driving under the influence of alcohol and at excessive speeds. The 41-year-old artist, whose legal name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, crashed his BMW into 20-year-old Yubin Tamang in north-east London on October 18, 2025, leading to fatal injuries.
Details of the Tragic Collision and Legal Proceedings
Clarke-Samuel failed to stop his vehicle or contact emergency services immediately after the impact, which resulted in catastrophic injuries for Tamang. The young student succumbed to his wounds in the hospital two days later. In court, the rapper admitted to charges of causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving, with emotional testimony from the victim's family highlighting the profound loss.
Sharmila Tamang, the mother of the deceased, wept as she addressed the court, 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." Her words underscored the devastating impact of the incident on the family.
Reckless Driving and Legal Consequences
Evidence presented in court revealed that Clarke-Samuel was driving at speeds exceeding 70 mph in a 30 mph zone, with his blood alcohol level one-and-a-half times over the legal limit. Prior to the fatal crash, he had been veering onto the wrong side of the road, running six red traffic lights, and colliding with a motorcycle and a Mercedes, causing additional damage.
At approximately 11:33 PM, the rapper struck Tamang as the student crossed Redbridge Lane in Ilford, traveling at 67 mph. Clarke-Samuel then drove to his home in Woodford, where he was arrested the following day. Police officers noted the smell of alcohol on his breath and observed significant damage to his vehicle, including a smashed windscreen and front bumper.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
During a televised sentencing, Judge Mark Lucraft described the events leading up to the collision as a "quite appalling litany of incidents" and deemed the rapper's actions "simply shocking." In addition to the 12-year prison term, Clarke-Samuel was disqualified from driving for 17 years. Prosecutor Philip McGhee detailed how Tamang was unable to avoid the collision, being catapulted into the air and sustaining catastrophic injuries upon impact.
The court heard that Clarke-Samuel claimed he was driving recklessly due to a belief that someone was following him, but CCTV footage provided no evidence to support this assertion. Despite his successful music career, which includes collaborations with artists like Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran, as well as performances at Glastonbury and awards such as the Mobo pioneer award in 2024, his prior criminal record played a role in the sentencing.
Apology and Prior Criminal History
In mitigation, extracts from a letter written by Clarke-Samuel were read aloud, in which he expressed "extreme regret, shame, and remorse" and apologized to Tamang's family. He acknowledged that no amount of apologies could alleviate their pain, stating, "This may be the only chance that I get to apologise. 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."
However, the rapper's history includes 12 previous convictions for 27 crimes since the age of 16, encompassing offenses such as robbery, aggravated vehicle taking, and various driving violations. This background contributed to the severity of the sentence, reflecting the court's stance on accountability for dangerous behavior on the roads.
