British rapper Ghetts has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing the death of a student in a hit-and-run accident. The incident occurred on October 18, 2025, when Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, was driving his BMW at excessive speeds and over the legal drink-drive limit. CCTV footage revealed a series of dangerous driving incidents leading up to the fatal collision, which was described as 'shocking' by the judge.
The victim, Yubin Tamang, a 20-year-old student from Nepal, was on a study abroad program in the UK. Tamang's mother, Sharmila, expressed her grief, stating that her son's life was cut short due to someone's reckless actions. She emphasized the irony of her son's journey, having come to the UK for a world-class education, only to lose his life in a tragic accident.
Tamang's roommate, Sushant Khadka, described Yubin as a young man with dreams and ambitions. The incident not only took a life but also left a lasting impact on those around him. The judge, Mark Lucraft KC, emphasized the severity of the case, noting the excessive speed, failure to stop, and the emotional toll on the victim's family.
The prosecution revealed that Ghetts had been drinking at a central London bar, Omi Lounge, and was well over the legal drink-drive limit. He ignored red traffic lights and repeatedly drove on the wrong side of the road, causing damage to other vehicles and a motorcyclist. The fatal collision occurred when Ghetts hit Tamang while he was crossing Redbridge Lane in Ilford at 11.33 p.m. Despite the accident, Ghetts did not stop, call emergency services, or seek medical attention for the victim.
The police discovered Ghetts at his home the next day, with a strong alcohol scent on his breath. His car was found to be significantly damaged. Ghetts claimed he was driving dangerously due to a fear of being pursued, but no evidence of a chase was found on CCTV. His lawyer attributed this fear to a previous robbery incident, for which the perpetrators were never caught.
Ghetts, a father of two, had a history of criminal activity, with 12 previous convictions for 27 crimes since the age of 16, including robbery and driving offenses. Despite his criminal record, the judge acknowledged his 'genuine remorse' and the support letters from his partner and community, highlighting his positive impact through his music career.
Ghetts, a renowned rapper and songwriter, has collaborated with artists like Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran, and has performed at Glastonbury multiple times. His achievements include winning the best male act at the 2021 Mobo Awards and receiving the Mobo pioneer award in 2024. The case has sparked discussions about the consequences of reckless driving and the impact of celebrity status on legal outcomes.
