A tragic accident has shattered a family and ended the life of a promising student, leading to the imprisonment of a well-known artist. Award-winning rapper Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 20-year-old university student Yubin Tamang. This devastating event occurred on the evening of October 18, 2025, on Redbridge Lane East in Ilford, north-east London.
Clarke-Samuel, aged 41, admitted to causing death by dangerous driving at the Old Bailey. The court heard a harrowing account of his actions that night. He was driving his BMW M5 at a speed exceeding 60 mph in a 30 mph zone when he struck Yubin Tamang, a student from Nepal, as he was crossing the road. Tragically, Tamang succumbed to his injuries in the hospital two days later. The rapper not only failed to stop at the scene but also received a 17-year driving ban.
Judge Mark Lucraft KC described the CCTV footage leading up to the collision as a "quite appalling litany of incidents" that were "simply shocking." The prosecution revealed that Clarke-Samuel had been drinking alcohol that evening, with evidence suggesting he was one and a half times over the legal limit. His initial claim of having only a few glasses of brandy with a meal was contradicted by the extent of his reckless behavior.
But here's where it gets particularly disturbing... As Clarke-Samuel sped towards his home in Woodford, he ran through six red traffic lights, swerved onto the wrong side of the road, and even mounted the kerb, causing damage to a motorcycle and another vehicle. The force of the impact with Tamang was so severe that the student was "catapulted into the air before crashing down on the roadway," sustaining "catastrophic injuries."
Yubin Tamang's family expressed their profound grief in a statement, saying, "We speak today with hearts broken beyond repair. Our only child, a precious soul, has been taken from us far too soon. Justin Clarke-Samuel has stolen our son's future and ours with it... we can never forgive him for what he has done."
Clarke-Samuel's defense claimed he was driving erratically due to a fear of being followed, but the CCTV footage provided no evidence to support this assertion. An Uber driver who witnessed the aftermath initially mistook the injured student for a "bundle of clothes" before realizing the severity of the situation and calling emergency services. Police were able to trace the damaged wing mirror casing found at the scene back to Clarke-Samuel's vehicle, which was later discovered near his home with significant damage.
In December, Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and an additional charge of dangerous driving. His legal team presented a letter from the rapper expressing "extreme regret, shame and remorse," stating that his actions were "truly an unintentional act" and offering a sincere apology for the suffering caused.
However, the court also noted Clarke-Samuel's extensive criminal history, with 12 previous convictions for 27 crimes dating back to when he was 16, including robbery and aggravated vehicle taking. Shani Taggart of the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized that Clarke-Samuel "knew he was in no fit state to drive" and that his "excessive speed and disregard for road users" were clear. The sentence serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of driving under the influence and at dangerous speeds.
This case raises a difficult question: Can remorse truly atone for such a devastating loss? Do you believe the sentence adequately reflects the gravity of the crime, or is there more to consider when it comes to public figures and their responsibilities? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
