Grime star Ghetts jailed for 12 years over deadly 60mph hit-and-run

Rapper and actor Justin Clarke-Samuel, known as Ghetts, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison at the Old Bailey for the "shocking" hit-and-run killing of a 20-year-old student.

The 41-year-old admitted causing the death of Yubin Tamang by dangerous driving after striking him with his BMW M5 while travelling at double the speed limit in Ilford on 18 October 2025.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC described the lead-up to the fatal collision as an "appalling litany of incidents," handing Clarke-Samuel a 17-year driving ban alongside the custodial term.

The court heard the Mercury Prize-nominee was one-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit and had bypassed six red lights and mounted kerbs before the impact on Redbridge Lane East.

Prosecutor Philip McGhee told the court that Mr Tamang, an only child from Nepal, was "catapulted into the air" by the force of the 60mph collision before crashing onto the roadway.

Read more: Judicial power strip: Lowe’s great clarification act exposed

Clarke-Samuel failed to stop at the scene, with an Uber driver later discovering the victim’s body after initially mistaking it for a "bundle of clothes" in the road.

Police traced the rapper to his Woodford Green home after finding a damaged wing mirror casing at the scene with a serial number linked to his registered vehicle.

In a heartbreaking statement, the victim’s family told the court their hearts were "broken beyond repair" and stated they could "never forgive" the defendant for stealing their son's future.

Defending counsel Ben Aina KC read a letter from Clarke-Samuel expressing "extreme regret, shame and remorse," claiming the incident was an "unintentional act."

Read more: Drill rapper on the run: Gangster taunts cops after second hospital escape

However, the court noted the defendant’s extensive criminal record, which includes 12 previous convictions for 27 offences including robbery and aggravated vehicle taking.