UK Rapper Ghetts Jailed for 12 Years Over Fatal Hit and Run in North London

British rapper Ghetts has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to causing the death of a Nepali student in a hit and run collision in north London.

The artist, whose real name is Justin Clarke Samuel, pleaded guilty in December to causing death by dangerous driving and driving over the legal alcohol limit. The 41 year old also admitted an additional charge of dangerous driving before the fatal crash.

The incident took place last year when Clarke Samuel was driving his BMW M5 through north London. Prosecutors told the court that he had been drinking before getting behind the wheel and was driving at excessive speed, running red lights and veering onto the wrong side of the road shortly before the collision.

The victim, 20 year old Yubin Tamang, was struck at nearly 70 miles per hour. The court heard that the impact caused catastrophic injuries and severe damage to the vehicle’s windscreen. Despite the seriousness of the crash, Clarke Samuel failed to stop at the scene and drove approximately eight miles to his home.

Sentencing took place at the Old Bailey in London, where the judge outlined the gravity of the offence and the lasting consequences for the victim’s family. The court was told that Tamang had come to the United Kingdom to pursue his studies and had been building a future in London at the time of his death.

In a statement read to the court through a translator, Tamang’s mother described the profound loss suffered by the family. She said her son had travelled abroad for education but was killed at a young age because of someone else’s actions.

Clarke Samuel’s defence lawyer said the rapper had believed he was being followed on the night of the incident, citing a previous experience of being robbed at gunpoint. The court was told that he has expressed remorse for his actions and accepts responsibility for the fatal outcome.

A letter written by Clarke Samuel was read in court in which he acknowledged the pain caused to the victim’s family. He stated that no apology could undo the harm and said he felt deep guilt and shame over the tragedy.

Ghetts rose to prominence in the UK music scene and has been recognised for his contributions to British rap and grime. He was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2024 for his album On Purpose, with Purpose and previously won best male act at the MOBO Awards. He has collaborated with several high profile artists, including Ed Sheeran.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to the artist’s profile and the circumstances surrounding the crash. The sentencing brings the criminal proceedings to a close, though the impact on both families is expected to endure.