British rapper Ghetts, born Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing the death of 20-year-old Nepalese student Yubin Tamang in a hit-and-run incident. The sentencing took place on March 3, 2026, at London's Old Bailey.
The fatal collision occurred on October 18, 2025, in Ilford, northeast London. Clarke-Samuel, 41, was driving his BMW M5 at speeds up to 74 mph in a 30 mph zone and was found to be one and a half times over the legal alcohol limit. He failed to stop after striking Tamang, who succumbed to his injuries two days later. (gbnews.com)
In December 2025, Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and additional charges of dangerous driving in central London areas, including Bloomsbury, Camden, Islington, and Hackney, prior to the fatal crash. (gbnews.com)
During the sentencing, Judge Mark Lucraft KC disqualified Clarke-Samuel from driving for 17 years. In a letter read to the court, Clarke-Samuel expressed "extreme regret, shame, and remorse," stating, "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." (gbnews.com)
Ghetts is a prominent figure in the UK grime scene, known for collaborations with artists like Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran. He won Best Male Act at the 2021 MOBO Awards and received the MOBO Pioneer Award in 2024. He also starred as a gang leader named "Krazy" in the Netflix sci-fi series "Supacell." (irishnews.com)
The tragic incident has led to significant public discourse on road safety and the responsibilities of public figures. The victim's mother, Sharmila Tamang, conveyed the family's profound grief, stating, "We feel extreme pain and an unimaginable sense of loss. What we have felt is something that we have to endure." (gaydio.co.uk)