Ghetts, born Justin Clarke-Samuel, was handed a 12-year prison sentence on Tuesday for causing the death of a Nepalese student in a hit-and-run incident.
Judge Mark Lucraft delivered the sentence at London’s Old Bailey after the 41-year-old rapper admitted to causing death by dangerous driving.
The victim, 20-year-old Yubin Tamang, had travelled to Britain from Nepal to pursue his education when he was struck by Clarke-Samuel’s BMW in Ilford, northeast London, last October.
Mr Tamang succumbed to his injuries in hospital two days following the collision.
Yubin Tamang was tragically killed by the rapper
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Met Police
The two-time Mercury Prize nominee, who has performed alongside artists including Stormzy and Ed Sheeran, had been held in custody since appearing at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on October 27.
Evidence presented to the court revealed Clarke-Samuel was travelling at 74mph in a 30mph zone shortly before the fatal collision on Redbridge Lane at 11.33pm on October 18.
Prosecutor Philip McGhee told the court that the impact propelled Mr Tamang into the air before he fell onto the road surface.
The student was struck at 67mph, exceeding twice the legal speed limit for that stretch of road.
Ghetts was handed a 12-year prison sentence
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GETTY
Clarke-Samuel did not remain at the scene or contact emergency services following the incident.
CCTV footage shown during proceedings captured the rapper driving erratically through London streets prior to the crash.
The court heard he had also collided with a Mercedes vehicle and narrowly missed hitting a cyclist before the fatal impact.
Clarke-Samuel has been banned from driving.
Judge Mark Lucraft delivered the sentence at London’s Old Bailey
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GETTY
Mr Tamang’s mother, Sharmila Tamang, delivered an emotional witness statement through an interpreter, breaking down as she addressed the court.
“We feel extreme pain and an unimaginable sense of loss. What we have felt is something that we have to endure,” she said.
She explained her son had dreamed of obtaining a British degree due to its international recognition, adding: “Unfortunately, this tragic event happened near our home while he was returning home from work.”
Defence counsel Benjamin Aina KC read from a letter written by Clarke-Samuel, in which the rapper stated: “I write from a place of extreme regret, shame and remorse…
“I cannot express the enormous feeling of guilt and shame for the suffering I have caused.”
The letter continued: “I want Mr Tamang’s family to know that I am so truly sorry. I offer no excuses, and I have let my family and community down.”
Clarke-Samuel had established himself as one of grime music’s most respected figures, earning two Mercury Prize nominations during his career.
He took home the best male act trophy at the 2021 MOBO Awards and was honoured with the MOBO pioneer award in 2024.
Ghetts expressed ‘extreme regret’ for his actions
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GETTY
Throughout his career, the rapper collaborated with some of British music’s biggest names, including Skepta, Stormzy and Ed Sheeran.
He appeared on the Glastonbury stage on multiple occasions, most recently performing at the festival in 2024.
Beyond music, Clarke-Samuel had expanded into acting, portraying a gang leader named Krazy in Supacell, the Netflix science fiction series following five black south Londoners who discover they have developed supernatural abilities.
In December, he also admitted to dangerous driving in central London areas including Bloomsbury, Camden, Islington and Hackney prior to the fatal crash.