Award-winning rapper Ghetts has been sentenced to prison after a speeding, drink-driving hit-and-run left a student dead.
The grime performer, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, did not stop after his BMW struck 20-year-old Nepalese national Yubin Tamang in north-east London.
The 41-year-old, who has also appeared in the Netflix series Supacell, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving as well as dangerous driving.
During a televised hearing at the Old Bailey, Judge Mark Lucraft KC jailed Clarke-Samuel for 12 years and banned him from driving for 17 years.
‘quite appalling litany of incidents’
‘simply shocking’
The court heard the judge referenced Clarke-Samuel’s ‘genuine remorse’ and reviewed letters submitted in support, including from his partner, which described how he had used his music career to have a positive effect in his community.
Prosecutor Philip McGhee told the court Clarke-Samuel had been drinking at Omi Lounge on Wells Street in central London on the evening of Saturday, October 18, 2025, and that he was charged a few days later.
He was said to be around one-and-a-half times over the legal drink-drive limit and was allegedly travelling at more than 70mph in the lead-up to the crash.
As he drove his BMW M5 back towards his home in Woodford, east London, he ran six red traffic lights, the court was told.
He also repeatedly crossed into the wrong side of the road, mounted the curb, and was involved in collisions with a motorcyclist and a Mercedes, causing damage.
Prosecutors said he was travelling at 67mph in a 30mph zone when he hit Tamang as he crossed Redbridge Lane in Ilford at about 11.33pm.
More to follow.