BREAKING NEWS

A tragic hit-and-run incident in East London has led to a 12-year prison sentence for rapper and television personality Justin Clarke-Samuel, widely known as Ghetts. The case has shocked many and highlighted the devastating consequences of reckless driving.

The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey after Clarke-Samuel admitted to causing death by dangerous driving as well as a second charge of dangerous driving. The fatal incident happened late on the night of October 18, 2025, on Redbridge Lane East in Ilford.

The victim, 20-year-old Yubin Tamang, had come to the United Kingdom from Nepal to pursue his education and build a better future. According to evidence presented in court, Tamang was crossing the road around 11:30 p.m. when Clarke-Samuel’s black BMW M5 struck him at extremely high speed.

Prosecutors revealed that Clarke-Samuel had been driving up to 74 miles per hour in a zone where the speed limit was just 30 miles per hour. The force of the collision was devastating. Witnesses and investigators explained that the impact threw Tamang as high as 60 to 70 feet into the air, scattering the contents of his bag across the road.

Despite the severity of the crash, Clarke-Samuel did not stop to offer help or contact emergency services. Instead, he drove away from the scene and returned home. Tamang was taken to the hospital with catastrophic injuries, including severe fractures, organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Sadly, he died two days later.

During the trial, prosecutors described Clarke-Samuel’s driving that evening as reckless and extremely dangerous. CCTV footage showed him driving erratically across several parts of London before the crash. At different points, he was seen mounting pavements to overtake traffic, running multiple red lights, and even driving on the wrong side of the road.

Witnesses also reported that shortly before the fatal collision, he narrowly missed hitting a cyclist.

Earlier that evening, Clarke-Samuel had been at a bar and restaurant in central London. He admitted in court that he had consumed three brandies during a meal before getting behind the wheel to drive home.

When police later conducted a breath test several hours after the crash, they found that he had alcohol in his system. Further blood tests also revealed the presence of cannabis, which experts said would have impaired his ability to drive safely.

The investigation quickly led police to Clarke-Samuel after officers recovered a broken piece of a wing mirror at the crash scene. Detectives traced the serial number on the fragment back to his BMW within hours.

When police arrived at his home around 3 a.m., they discovered the damaged vehicle parked nearby. The car had a shattered windscreen, heavy damage to the bonnet, and a missing wing mirror cover, all consistent with the crash.

During the sentencing hearing, Tamang’s family delivered emotional statements describing the devastating loss of their only child. They explained that he had travelled thousands of miles from Nepal to study in the United Kingdom and pursue his dreams.

His mother spoke through tears about the pain of losing her son at such a young age. Friends and loved ones described Tamang as a hardworking student with big ambitions and a bright future ahead of him.

In a letter to the court, Clarke-Samuel expressed deep regret and shame over what had happened. He said he thought about Tamang and his family every day and admitted that no apology could truly ease their pain.

However, the judge emphasized that Clarke-Samuel’s actions had caused a completely preventable tragedy. While acknowledging that the rapper had previously used his career and platform to help others, the court stated that driving under the influence and at such dangerous speeds had resulted in the loss of a young life.

Clarke-Samuel was sentenced to 12 years in prison and banned from driving for 17 years.

The case serves as a powerful reminder of the serious consequences of reckless driving and how a single decision behind the wheel can permanently change lives.