Ghetts Jailed 12 Years: Rapper Admits to Fatal Hit-and-Run

Ghetts Jailed 12 Years: Rapper Admits to Fatal Hit-and-Run

March 3, 2026 Laura Fontaine - Entertainment Editor Entertainment

A Decade Behind Bars for Mercury Prize Nominee Ghetts

Rapper Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing the death of 20-year-old student Yubin Tamang in a hit-and-run incident in Ilford, London, in October 2025. The 41-year-old pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving in December, following an investigation that revealed he was driving at 74mph in a 30mph zone when he struck Tamang.

The incident occurred around 11:30 pm on October 18th, as Tamang was crossing Redbridge Lane. He died two days later from his injuries. Clarke-Samuel failed to stop at the scene, continuing to drive for approximately eight miles before returning home, where he reportedly consumed six or seven shots of Ciroc vodka and a cannabis cookie, according to court testimony. His vehicle sustained significant damage, including a smashed windscreen and a missing wing mirror, when police located it parked near his residence.

Erratic Driving and Post-Crash Actions

Evidence presented in court detailed a harrowing sequence of events leading up to the fatal collision. Prosecutors revealed that Ghetts ran six red lights, collided with another vehicle, and narrowly avoided hitting a cyclist before striking Tamang. The impact threw Tamang into the air, according to prosecutor Philip McGhee. Further investigation indicated that Clarke-Samuel was one-and-a-half times over the legal alcohol limit at the time of the crash, as reported by BBC News.

The Victim’s Family’s Grief

The Old Bailey heard a statement from Tamang’s mother, delivered through an interpreter, expressing the “extreme pain” and “unimaginable sense of loss” felt by the family. She shared that her son had come to the UK to pursue higher education, hoping to earn a degree recognized globally. “Unfortunately, this tragic event happened near our home while he was returning home from perform,” she stated, as reported by Sky News. The statement underscored the devastating impact of the incident on Tamang’s family and the loss of his future aspirations.

A Career Interrupted: From Mercury Prize to Prison

Ghetts, a prominent figure in the UK grime scene, has enjoyed significant critical and commercial success in recent years. He was nominated for the Mercury Prize in both 2021 for his album ‘Conflict Of Interest’ and again in 2024 for ‘On Purpose With Purpose’. He also won the Best Male Act at the MOBO Awards and was honored with the MOBO Pioneer Award in 2024, recognizing his contributions to British Black culture. Beyond music, Ghetts has ventured into acting, appearing as Craig in the Netflix series Supacell. His recent success makes the circumstances of this case all the more stark.

Remorse Expressed, But Justice Served

During the sentencing, Ghetts, dressed in all black, only spoke to confirm his name. However, his attorney, Benjamin Aina KC, presented a letter expressing the rapper’s remorse. The letter, as reported by NME, contained an apology to Tamang’s family, the community, his own family, and the court. “I write from a place of extreme regret, shame and remorse… express the enormous feeling of guilt and shame for the suffering I have caused,” the letter read. He acknowledged the aggravating factors of the case and took full responsibility for his actions.

Social Media Reaction and Further Details

News of the sentencing quickly spread on social media, with many expressing shock and sadness. A tweet from @MusicConnoisseu, shared on March 3, 2026, detailed the specifics of the case, including the excessive speed and multiple traffic violations committed by Ghetts before the collision. The tweet also noted that he was 1.5x over the legal drink-drive limit. (Notice tweet embedded below)

What’s Next for Ghetts and His Music

With Ghetts now incarcerated for 12 years, the immediate future of his music career is uncertain. It remains to be seen whether any planned releases or projects will be postponed or cancelled. His label has not yet issued a statement regarding the impact of the sentencing on his discography. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the importance of road safety. Clarke-Samuel was also disqualified from driving with immediate effect upon his initial appearance in court last October.

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