From Rap to Jail: Rapper Ghetts Faces 12-Year Sentence Following Deadly Hit-and-Run

Award-winning rapper Ghetts, also known as Justin Clarke-Samuel, will spend the next 12 years in jail for a hit-and-run incident involving a 20-year-old student, Yubin Tamang, in October 2024. The 41-year-old pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and will be remanded at the Old Bailey.

It was on 18 October 2025 when Ghetts was driving his BMW M5 at more than 60mph, more than double the posted 30mph limit. Tamang was crossing the road at the time. The British grime rapper made it worse when he drove on and did not stop to check on the fallen 20-year-old student, Sky News reported.

Aside from the 12-year jail sentence, Clarke-Samuel will also be barred from driving for 17 years. Despite the verdict, the family of Yubin remains distraught. They lost their only son, who had gone to the UK to get a decent education and a better future. All that dissipated after his untimely demise in 2025.

'Our only child, a precious soul, has been taken from us far too soon. He came to the UK to study and create a better life for himself and his family. Justin Clarke-Samuel has stolen our son's future and ours with it,' the parents of Yubin said after the sentencing.

Forget About Forgiveness

By pleading guilty, the Tamangs got some measure of justice. However, the grieving parents admit that this will not bring back the life of their only child. Hence, they admitted that because of Ghetts recklessness, they can never forgive him.

'We are relieved that Justin Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty and that he has now been jailed, but we can never forgive him for what he has done,' Yubin's parents stated.

The death of Yubin Tamang is only one of several charges the rapper-songwriter is facing. In CCTV footage presented at the court, Clarke-Samuel's erratic driving appeared to start after drinking alcohol at the Omni Lounge, The Guardian reported.

Ghetts overconsumed alcohol, reportedly one and a half times over the legal drink-drive limit. He drove his BMW at speeds of more than 70mph and allegedly failed to stop at six red traffic lights. Aside from that, he also repeatedly drove on the wrong side of the road and even collided with a motorcycle rider and a Mercedes-Benz before hitting Tamang.

Irresponsible Drinking, Driving

The fact that he did not stop to check or help Tamang was already wrong. But the two-time Mercury Prize nominee worsened his situation. This was when he decided to head home, consume more alcohol, and a cannabis cookie.

After law enforcement was able to find his vehicle, Ghetts was arrested. He tried to make an excuse for his dangerous driving, claiming he was afraid because someone was following him. But a look at CCTV footage negated that claim.

Clarke-Samuel expressed regret and remorse for his actions. He is aware he left the Tamang family to deal with extreme pain and suffering and appeared clueless on how he could make up for this costly misdemeanor.

Ghetts knows that this case will serve as a big blow to his credibility and stature. He will forever live with the guilt of killing an innocent student. It is unfortunate, but a result of someone who failed to drink and drive responsibly.