Rapper Ghetts jailed for killing student in hit-and-run

Rapper Ghetts Jailed for Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident

Justin Clarke-Samuel, known professionally as Ghetts, received a 12-year prison sentence following a hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of a Nepalese student. The rapper was also barred from operating a vehicle for a period of 17 years.

The incident took place on October 18th, when Clarke-Samuel, 41, drove his BMW M5 at 74mph in a 30mph zone. He struck 20-year-old Yubin Tamang as he crossed Redbridge Lane at 11:33pm. Tamang, who had relocated to the UK from Nepal for his studies, succumbed to his injuries two days later in hospital.

“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,” said a spokesperson for Mr Tamang’s parents.

The victim’s mother, Sharmila Tamang, had previously expressed her anguish in court, describing the “extreme pain” and “unimaginable sense of loss” of losing her sole child.

Clarke-Samuel, who had been in custody since his initial appearance at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on October 27th, sat motionless in the dock as the judge delivered his verdict. The rapper, clad in all black, displayed no visible emotion during the sentencing.

Prosecutor Philip McGhee highlighted that Clarke-Samuel’s vehicle had propelled Mr Tamang into the air before the collision, which occurred at 67mph—more than double the speed limit in the area. The court was informed of a separate incident on the same night where the rapper had collided with a Mercedes and narrowly avoided hitting a cyclist.

Clarke-Samuel admitted to dangerous driving charges in December, which included incidents in Tavistock Place and other roads across central London and nearby boroughs. Despite his guilty plea, the judge emphasized the “shocking” nature of the events, noting that CCTV footage revealed a “quite appalling litany of incidents” leading up to the fatal crash.

Defendant’s Remorse and Defense Arguments

Speaking on behalf of the defendant, Benjamin Aina KC presented a letter Clarke-Samuel had written, expressing his profound regret and shame. The letter stated: “I write from a place of extreme regret, shame and remorse… I cannot express the enormous feeling of guilt and shame for the suffering I have caused.”

Clarke-Samuel apologized to “the family of Mr Tamang, the community at large, to his own family, and to the court for his actions on that Saturday night of October last year.” He acknowledged his failures, writing, “I have let my family and community down.”

The judge acknowledged Clarke-Samuel’s “genuine remorse” and his prior contributions to the community, stating, “Your music has provided you with a following and a significant financial reward… I acknowledge that you have used that to good effect and done much to support many others.” However, he criticized the rapper for allowing “all that good work to be marred by driving in drink and taking the life of another young man.”

After the crash, Clarke-Samuel continued driving for eight miles before returning home and consuming six or seven shots of Ciroc vodka alongside a “cannabis cookie,” as revealed in court. When arrested several hours later, his BMW was found parked near his residence, showing substantial damage, including a shattered windscreen and a missing wing mirror cover.

Impact of the Incident

The case underscored the severity of Clarke-Samuel’s actions, with the court presenting evidence of his erratic driving and the consequences of his decision. The tragic event left a lasting mark on the Tamang family, who had hoped to see their son thrive in his new environment.