Ghetts Jailed for 12 Years in Hit-and-Run Death of Student

British rapper Ghetts has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing the death of 20-year-old Yubin Tamang in a hit-and-run incident. The sentencing took place on March 3, 2026, at the Old Bailey in London.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred on October 18, 2025, in Ilford, north-east London. Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, was driving his BMW at speeds exceeding 70 mph in a 30 mph zone when he struck Tamang as he crossed Redbridge Lane. He failed to stop at the scene and continued driving for over 15 minutes before arriving home.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving in December. Judge Mark Lucraft KC sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment and disqualified him from driving for 17 years. The judge described the CCTV footage of Clarke-Samuel’s driving as a “quite appalling litany of incidents” and “simply shocking.”

Circumstances Leading to the Collision

Prior to the collision, Clarke-Samuel had been drinking at Omi Lounge in Wells Street, central London, and was found to be one-and-a-half times over the legal drink-drive limit. He repeatedly veered onto the wrong side of the road, mounted the kerb, and collided with a motorcycle and a Mercedes, causing damage to both vehicles. He also failed to stop at six red traffic lights.

Impact on the Victim and Family

Yubin Tamang, a Nepalese national studying business management at the University of Roehampton, sustained catastrophic injuries and died in hospital two days after the incident. His mother, Sharmila Tamang, stated in court, “My son had approach for studies to this place, but because of somebody’s mistakes he has died at a incredibly small age. Yubin was our only child.” Tamang’s roommate, Sushant Khadka, described him as having “dreams, ambition, plans for his future.”

Defendant’s Remorse and Background

Clarke-Samuel expressed “extreme regret, shame, and remorse” in a letter read to the court, apologizing to Tamang’s family. His defense cited a previous armed robbery in 2017 as contributing to his fear of being followed, though no evidence of a pursuit was found. The court also heard that Clarke-Samuel has 12 previous convictions for 27 crimes, including robbery and driving offenses.

Statements from Authorities

Shani Taggart of the Crown Prosecution Service stated, “Justin Clarke-Samuel knew he was in no fit state to drive, and there was clear evidence of his excessive speed and disregard for road users.” Detective Sergeant Faye Cook of the Metropolitan Police expressed sympathy for Tamang’s family and hoped the sentencing would serve as a reminder of the consequences of dangerous driving. Source: The Independent

About Ghetts

Ghetts is an award-winning rapper and songwriter who has collaborated with artists such as Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran. He has performed at Glastonbury and won Best Male Act at the 2021 Mobo Awards, as well as the Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024.