Award-winning rapper and Netflix actor Ghetts has been hit with further motoring charges following a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a 20-year-old international student from Nepal.
Court Appearance and Additional Charges
Justin Clarke-Samuel, professionally known as Ghetts, appeared remotely from HMP Pentonville during a 15-minute hearing at the Old Bailey. The 41-year-old musician, dressed in a grey T-shirt and jogging bottoms, confirmed his identity and understanding of the proceedings via videolink.
The defendant, who stars in Netflix series Supacell, now faces two additional counts of dangerous driving occurring near the collision site around the same time as the fatal incident. These new charges supplement the existing charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
The Tragic Incident
The court heard how the tragedy unfolded on October 18 at approximately 11:33pm on Redbridge Lane East in Ilford, east London. Clarke-Samuel was allegedly driving his black BMW M5 when he struck Yubin Tamang, with CCTV footage showing the moment of impact.
Yubin Tamang, described by family as "a very good person" and their "world", was reportedly flung 70 feet through the air upon impact. The Nepalese national, who had been sent to the UK by his parents to study at the University of Roehampton, succumbed to his injuries in hospital two days after the collision.
Legal Proceedings and Family Impact
Several members of Mr Tamang's family travelled to the UK specifically to attend the court hearing, highlighting the international significance of this case. The victim, an only child and hip-hop enthusiast, had been pursuing his education in London when his life was tragically cut short.
During the administrative hearing, Clarke-Samuel was not required to enter pleas to any of the charges. The judge further remanded him in custody and scheduled the next hearing for December 8, when the defendant will be asked to formally enter his pleas.
Police arrested the rapper at his home address in the early hours following the incident. The investigation continues as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the additional dangerous driving allegations.
Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, is an acclaimed British rapper who has collaborated with major artists including Skepta, Stormzy and Ed Sheeran. His career highlights include winning Best Male Act at the 2021 Mobo Awards and receiving the Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024 for his contributions to British black culture. He has also received Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello award nominations.
