Award-winning rapper Ghetts, born Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing the death of 20-year-old university student Yubin Tamang in a hit-and-run accident in north-east London.

The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey after Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

The tragic incident occurred on 18 October 2025 on Redbridge Lane East, Ilford.

CCTV footage revealed Clarke-Samuel driving his BMW M5 at over 60mph in a 30mph zone, mounting the kerb, hitting a motorcyclist and a Mercedes, and ultimately striking Tamang as he crossed the road.

Tamang suffered catastrophic injuries and died in hospital two days later.

Clarke-Samuel, who was one and a half times over the legal alcohol limit, claimed he drove dangerously because he feared he was being followed, though no evidence of a pursuit was found.

Police tracked the damaged vehicle to his home after matching a broken wing mirror to the car.

In addition to prison, the court disqualified Clarke-Samuel from driving for 17 years. Judge Mark Lucraft KC described his driving as a “quite appalling litany of incidents” and “simply shocking.”

Clarke-Samuel’s legal team highlighted his remorse, reading extracts from a letter apologizing to Tamang’s family.

He expressed “extreme regret, shame, and remorse” for his actions, calling the incident an unintentional act.

The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized Clarke-Samuel’s prior record, noting 12 previous convictions for 27 offenses, including robbery, vehicle-related crimes, and prior driving offenses.

Tamang’s family released a statement: “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.”

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk and reckless driving and its devastating impact on innocent lives.