British 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 university student Yubin Tamang in a tragic hit-and-run incident in north-east London. The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey, where Ghetts pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and an additional charge of dangerous driving.
The fatal incident occurred on Redbridge Lane East in Ilford on October 18, 2025. Prosecutors told the court that Ghetts, who was 41 at the time, was driving his BMW M5 at more than double the legal speed limit, running six red lights, swerving onto the wrong side of the road, mounting the kerb, and colliding with multiple vehicles before ultimately striking Tamang. The 20-year-old student from Nepal was taken to hospital but tragically passed away two days later.
Prosecutor Philip McGhee highlighted that Ghetts had consumed alcohol and was approximately one and a half times over the legal limit. CCTV footage presented in court was described by Judge Mark Lucraft KC as a “quite appalling litany of incidents” and “simply shocking,” illustrating a reckless series of dangerous maneuvers that ultimately ended in tragedy.
Ghetts claimed he believed he was being followed and that this fear contributed to his dangerous driving. However, police investigations found no evidence of any pursuit. Further evidence linking him to the crash came from debris traced back to his vehicle, which was later recovered near his home in Woodford Green, showing significant front-end damage consistent with the collision.
In a victim impact statement, Tamang’s family spoke about their devastation, saying their “hearts are broken beyond repair” and expressing that Ghetts had “stolen our son’s future and ours with it.” The statement reflected the immense grief felt by the family and the wider community over the loss of the young student.
As part of the sentencing, Ghetts was also disqualified from driving for 17 years, in addition to his 12-year prison term. Legal experts noted that the severity of the sentence reflects not only the reckless nature of the incident but also the societal need to uphold road safety and accountability, particularly for drivers under the influence of alcohol.
The case has sent shockwaves through the UK music community, with fans and fellow artists expressing their sorrow over the loss of Yubin Tamang and calling for greater responsibility among public figures. Social media discussions have focused on the dangers of reckless driving, particularly when combined with alcohol, and the long-lasting impact such incidents have on victims’ families.
Ghetts’s sentencing marks a somber reminder of the consequences of reckless and dangerous behavior behind the wheel, underscoring that fame and status do not exempt anyone from the law. The tragedy has sparked renewed conversations about road safety in London and the importance of legal accountability in cases involving loss of life.
