Rapper Ghetts is jailed for 12 years after killing student in 74mph hit-and-run as new footage shows his reckless driving before fatal crash
By LETTICE BROMOVSKY, NEWS REPORTER[1] and ED HOLT[2]
Published: 14:44, 3 March 2026 | Updated: 17:39, 3 March 2026
Rapper and Netflix Star Ghetts was today jailed for 12 years for mowing down a 20-year-old student at more than double the speed limit before fleeing the scene.[3]
Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, was sentenced at the Old Bailey today, after admitting causing the death of Yubin Tamang by dangerous driving and a second charge of dangerous driving.
The 41-year-old had been driving his ?100,000 black BMW M5 at speeds of up to 74mph in a 30mph zone when he struck Mr Tamang as he crossed Redbridge Lane East in Ilford at about 11.30pm on 18 October 2025.
The court heard how the impact of the crash was so significant that it threw Mr Tamang up into the air at around 60 or 70 feet, but instead of stopping the father-of-two drove off and sped home without contacting the emergency services.
Prior to the fatal crash, Clarke-Samuel, who has 12 previous convictions for 27 offences, was caught on CCTV driving erratically through London - mounting pavements to overtake traffic, running at least seven red lights and being involved in a collision with a Mercedes.
The Netflix star admitted to having had three brandy's with a meal at Omi Lounge in Wells Street before getting into his vehicle to drive home, and when he was breathalysed hours later he had a blood alcohol of 45micrograms of alcohol for 100 millilitres of breath.
Later blood tests also deduced that he was under the influence of cannabis at the time of the crash which would have 'been sufficient to cause impairment' of his driving, according to experts.
Today, the solemn rapper looked down as the sentencing was read out and spoke only the confirm his name as he appeared wearing all black in the dock.
He was also disqualified from driving for 17 years.
Rapper and Netflix Star Ghetts was today jailed for mowing down a 20-year-old student at more than double the speed limit before fleeing the scene
Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, was sentenced at the Old Bailey today, after admitting causing the death of Yubin Tamang (above) by dangerous driving and a second charge of dangerous driving
Police bodycam footage shows Ghetts car being discovered by police after the crash with a smashed windscreen
The vehicle was parked nearby his home with a smashed windscreen, heavy bonnet damage, a wrecked front bumper (above)
Mr Tamang, an only child who had come to the UK from Nepal to study, died in hospital two days after the crash from catastrophic injuries including multiple fractures, organ damage and damage to the brain.
Clarke-Samuel, from Woodford in East London, had spent the evening out at a bar and restaurant in central London before embarking on what prosecutors described as a reckless journey through Camden, Islington and Hackney. [4]
CCTV and witness evidence later showed him driving on the wrong side of the road and narrowly missing a cyclist shortly before the fatal collision.
Also between leaving the restaurant and returning home, he made five calls from his mobile phone to his girlfriend, including one after the fateful incident but no calls were made to the police or emergency services.
Clarke-Samuel had previously tried to claim that he believed he was being followed, however judge Lucraft said he could not accept his story as there was no evidence found that supported this.
In court, Mr Tamang's mother read a victim impact statement, through tears she said: 'My son had come for studies to this place but because of somebody's mistakes he has died at a very small age. Yubin was our only child.
'My son had come for his studies to the UK saying the UK had the best degree in the world. But on his way back from his work this happened and he lost his life.'
Another statement from his friend who went to the hospital after the accident said: 'Yubin was only 20-years-old he had dreams, ambitions and plans for his future.
His loss had not only taken a life full of promise.'
Prosecutor Varinder Hayre earlier said: 'The victim was an only child sent to the UK by his parents to get education in this country.
'The victim was seen on CCTV walking along Redbridge Lane East in the area. He looked both ways and started to cross the road, as he walked into the middle of the road.
'The black BWW registered with the defendant was travelling eastbound and collided with the victim.
'The impact was so significant that it threw the victim up into the air at around 60 or 70 feet and the contents of his bag had been thrown out.
'The victim landed on the floor and the BMW did not stop and kept travelling east along Redbridge Lane.'
The breakthrough came from a fragment of broken wing mirror left at the scene. Detectives traced the serial number to Clarke-Samuel's registered BMW within hours.
When officers arrived at his home address at around 3am, they found the vehicle parked nearby with a smashed windscreen, heavy bonnet damage, a wrecked front bumper and the wing mirror cover missing.
Yubin Tamang's parents arrive at the Old Bailey ahead of sentencing today
CCTV and witness evidence later showed him driving on the wrong side of the road and narrowly missing a cyclist shortly before the fatal collision
Ms Hayre said earlier in the case: 'The defendant opened the door and he was handcuffed and officers could smell alcohol intoxicating liquid under his breath.
He had been sleeping and was woken up by officers.
'The defendant asked officers what car he was supposed to be driving. Then they informed him would be conducting a search of the home address. He questioned why and officers explained they were looking for the car key.
'He started shouting at the officers.
The officers found a fixed penalty notice, a logbook and the car key for the BMW in question.'
He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on 8 December 2025.
In a letter written by Clarke-Samuel and given to the judge he wrote: 'I write from a place of extreme regret, shame and remorse. I am fully aware that there are no number of apologies that I can say which will ease the pain that the family and friends of Mr Tamang must feel.
'This young man and his family are in my thoughts daily. I cannot express the enormous feeling of guilt and shame I feel for the suffering I have caused.
I can only imagine how his family feels every day having to navigate life without their loved on.
'The feeling of pain they must feel daily that he is unable to achieve his dream and live the life he deserved. I want Mr Tamang's family to know that I am so truly sorry. I offer no excuses and I have let my family and community down.'
He continued: 'This may be the only change that I get to apologise.
It was truly an unintentional act on my part and I am so sincerely sorry for the suffering and emotional distress that I have caused.'
When sentencing the judge said: 'I have no doubt the regret and remorse you have now expressed is entirely genuine. There are moving letters from the many who knew you and the many good things you have done.
'Your music gained you a following and significant financial reward. I acknowledge you have used the music and the gift it has given you to good effect and have supported many others.
'You have done much to help others over the last 10 years and all that good work is marred by driving in drink and taking the life of another young man.'
Following today's sentencing, Detective Sergeant Faye Cook, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, paid tribute to the victim's parents.
'Our thoughts remain with Yubin's loved ones, especially his parents, Sharmila and Bikash, who have shown remarkable courage throughout this investigation.
Their strength has inspired everyone involved in the case.
'I would like to thank the dedicated Met officers and staff who have worked tirelessly - their professionalism and determination has been unwavering.
'We hope today's sentencing brings some measure of comfort to Yubin's family, while also serving as a reminder to the public of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving.'
CCTV shows Clarke-Samuels car speeding down the street going 60mph in a 30mph zone
In a heartbreaking statement, Mr Tamang's family said after the sentencing: 'Firstly, we would like to thank our close family, relatives and friends who have provided much-needed help, advice, and guidance during this, the most tragic time of our lives.
'Secondly, we extend our immense gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the London Metropolitan Police detectives and forensics team for their exceptional dedication and thorough investigation, and the Crown Prosecution Service for recognising the seriousness of this case and raising the charges.
'We speak today with hearts broken beyond repair. 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.
'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.'
After the hearing, Det Insp Mark Braithwaite from the Met said 'split-second decisions behind the wheel can have devastating, life-changing consequences'.
He added: 'Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Yubin's family.
While nothing can undo their loss, today's two guilty pleas mark a step toward justice.
'We hope this brings them some measure of comfort.'
Ghetts is an award-winning rapper and songwriter who has featured on songs alongside Skepta, Stormzy and Ed Sheeran, racking up millions of hits on Spotify.
He started his career as a member of East London British grime group Nasty Crew.
In 2008, he was nominated for a BET Award for Best International Act: UK along with Chipmunk, Giggs, and Skepta.
In 2021 he won the Best Male Act at the Mobo Awards and received the Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024 for his significant contribution to British black culture.
The rapper has also been nominated for a Mercury Prize.