Rapper and Netflix Star Ghetts Sentenced to 12 Years for Fatal Hit-and-Run
Justin Clarke-Samuel, the 41-year-old rapper and Netflix personality known professionally as Ghetts, has been handed a 12-year prison sentence at the Old Bailey today. He pleaded guilty to causing the death of 20-year-old student Yubin Tamang by dangerous driving, along with a second charge of dangerous driving, following a horrific incident in Ilford on October 18, 2025.
Reckless Driving and Fatal Collision
The court heard that Clarke-Samuel was driving his £100,000 black BMW M5 at speeds reaching up to 74mph in a 30mph zone along Redbridge Lane East. At approximately 11:30 PM, he struck Mr Tamang as the young man was crossing the road. The impact was so severe that it propelled the victim an estimated 60 to 70 feet into the air, scattering the contents of his bag across the scene.
Instead of stopping to render aid or contact emergency services, Clarke-Samuel fled the scene and sped home. He is a father of two with a criminal history comprising 12 previous convictions for 27 offences. Prior to the fatal crash, CCTV footage captured him driving erratically, mounting pavements to overtake traffic, running at least seven red lights, and being involved in a collision with a Mercedes.
Intoxication and Impairment
Earlier that evening, Clarke-Samuel had consumed three brandies during a meal at Omi Lounge in Wells Street before getting behind the wheel. When breathalysed hours later, he registered a blood alcohol level of 45 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. Subsequent blood tests also confirmed he was under the influence of cannabis at the time of the crash, which prosecutors stated would have been sufficient to impair his driving abilities.
During the sentencing hearing, the downcast rapper appeared in the dock dressed entirely in black, looking downward and speaking only to confirm his name. In addition to the prison term, he was disqualified from driving for 17 years.
Victim Impact and Investigation
Yubin Tamang, an only child who had come to the UK from Nepal to pursue his studies, succumbed to catastrophic injuries two days after the collision. His injuries included multiple fractures, organ damage, and severe brain trauma. In a heart-wrenching victim impact statement delivered through tears, his mother expressed her devastation, stating, "My son had come for studies to this place but because of somebody's mistakes he has died at a very small age. Yubin was our only child."
The investigation breakthrough came from a fragment of a broken wing mirror left at the scene. Detectives traced the serial number to Clarke-Samuel's BMW within hours. Officers discovered the vehicle parked near his home in Woodford, East London, with a smashed windscreen, heavy bonnet damage, a wrecked front bumper, and the missing wing mirror cover.
Apology and Aftermath
In a letter to the judge, Clarke-Samuel wrote, "I write from a place of extreme regret, shame and remorse. I am fully aware that there are no number of apologies that I can say which will ease the pain that the family and friends of Mr Tamang must feel." He acknowledged letting down his family and community, describing the act as unintentional but accepting full responsibility.
Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Faye Cook of the Metropolitan Police praised the victim's parents for their remarkable courage. She emphasised, "We hope today's sentencing brings some measure of comfort to Yubin's family, while also serving as a reminder to the public of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving."
Background of the Perpetrator
Ghetts is an award-winning rapper and songwriter who has collaborated with artists like Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran, amassing millions of streams on Spotify. He began his career with the East London grime group Nasty Crew and has received accolades including a BET Award nomination, the Best Male Act at the 2021 Mobo Awards, and the Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024 for his contributions to British black culture. He has also been nominated for a Mercury Prize.
