UK grime artist Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing the death of a student in a hit-and-run incident. The 41-year-old pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges after striking 20-year-old Yubin Tamang in Ilford, London, last October. He has also been banned from driving for 17 years.
On March 3, 2026, Justin Clarke-Samuel, known professionally as Ghetts, received a 12-year prison sentence at the Old Bailey for causing the death of Nepalese student Yubin Tamang by dangerous driving. The incident occurred on October 18, 2025, around 11:30 p.m., when Ghetts, driving a BMW X5, struck Tamang as he crossed Redbridge Lane in Ilford, North East London. Tamang, aged 20, died in hospital two days later from his injuries.
Prosecutors detailed that Ghetts was traveling at speeds between 60 and 74 mph in a 30 mph zone, over 1.5 times the legal alcohol limit, and had run several red lights, including six according to some reports. He collided with another vehicle before the fatal impact, narrowly missing a cyclist, and failed to stop after throwing Tamang into the air. Ghetts drove eight miles home, where his damaged vehicle—featuring a smashed windscreen, bonnet marks, front bumper damage, and a missing wing mirror cover—was later found. He was arrested on October 19, 2025, and has been in custody since a preliminary appearance on October 27.
Ghetts pleaded guilty in December 2025 to causing death by dangerous driving and another count of dangerous driving. In court, he expressed remorse through a letter read by his attorney, Benjamin Aina KC, stating, “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. I want Mr Tamang’s family to know that I am so truly sorry.” Tamang's mother shared her grief in a statement, describing the “extreme pain” and “unimaginable sense of loss” after her only child's death, noting his dreams of earning a UK degree.
Crown Prosecution Service’s Shani Taggart highlighted the evidence, including CCTV footage, toxicology, and mobile data, saying, “Justin Clarke-Samuel knew he was in no fit state to drive and there was clear evidence of his excessive speed and disregard for road users.” The sentencing reflects the severity of driving under the influence, with Ghetts also disqualified from driving for 17 years.
At the time, Ghetts was filming season two of the Netflix series Supacell, in which he plays Craig, but production did not complete. His music career includes the 2024 album On Purpose, With Purpose, which earned a Mercury Prize nomination, following his 2021 shortlist for Conflict Of Interest. He also received the MOBO Pioneer Award in 2024 for contributions to British black culture.
