Justin Clarke-Samuel, the grime artist known professionally as Ghetts, entered a guilty plea today to causing death by dangerous driving.
The 41-year-old admitted responsibility for the fatal incident that claimed the life of Yubin Tamang, a 20-year-old man struck by the rapper’s BMW in Ilford, northeast London, on October 18.
The collision took place on Redbridge Lane at approximately 11:33pm. Mr Tamang succumbed to his injuries two days after being hit.
Mr Clarke-Samuel, who has received nominations for the Mercury Prize and won Mobo awards during his career, as well as starring in Netflix drama Supacell, also pleaded guilty to driving dangerously prior to the deadly crash.
Ghetts, real name Justin Clarke-Samuel,
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The prosecution alleged that Mr Clarke-Samuel had been driving recklessly across multiple locations in the capital before the fatal incident.
According to the charges, the musician drove dangerously through Tavistock Place and surrounding streets in Camden earlier that evening.
Justin Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty
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He then allegedly continued this manner of driving through Redbridge as he made his way back to his residence in Woodford.
The black BMW involved in the collision was reportedly registered and insured under Mr Clarke-Samuel’s name.
Justin Clarke-Samuel is best known for his stage performances as Ghetts
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Following the crash, the vehicle sustained significant damage.
The rapper has remained in custody since making an initial court appearance at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on October 27.
Justin Clarke-Samuel with his Mobo Award
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Judge Nigel Lickley KC had remanded Mr Clarke-Samuel in custody during a hearing in November, setting today’s date for the plea hearing.
The rapper was originally charged with a single count of causing death by dangerous driving following the Ilford incident.
Prosecutors subsequently added two additional charges relating to dangerous driving both before and after the fatal collision occurred.
Mr Clarke-Samuel, who resides in Woodford, east London, allegedly failed to stop at the scene after his vehicle struck Mr Tamang.
The case will return to court for sentencing at a later date.