Justin Jude Clarke-Samuel, known professionally as Ghetts, has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a fatal hit and run in east London. The incident occurred in Ilford on Saturday 18 October, when a car struck a 20-year-old man, who later died in hospital on Monday.
The 41-year-old rapper appeared at Stratford magistrates court on Monday, where it was reported that he failed to stop at the scene. He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Barkingside magistrates court on Monday 27 October. The BBC reports that the charge is expected to be upgraded to causing death by dangerous driving at the next hearing.
Ghetts is a prominent figure in the British grime scene, having been nominated for the Mercury Prize twice and winning two Mobo awards, including the pioneer award last year for his contribution to British black culture. He has performed at major festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, and Wireless, and collaborated with artists including Skepta, Dave, and Little Simz.
Outside of music, Clarke-Samuel has also worked as an actor, notably in a supporting role in the Netflix series Supacell. Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash to come forward.
