In a tragic case that has shocked the music industry and the public alike, British rapper Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Tuesday. The sentence followed his conviction for causing the death of 20-year-old Nepali student Yubin Tamang in a hit-and-run accident last year in north London. The court heard that Clarke-Samuel was driving under the influence of alcohol and at dangerously high speeds when the fatal collision occurred.
The award-winning artist, known for his impactful lyrics and collaborations with prominent musicians such as Ed Sheeran, had pleaded guilty in December to causing Tamang’s death. In addition to this charge, Clarke-Samuel admitted to driving his BMW M5 recklessly prior to the crash. Prosecutors revealed that he was traveling at nearly 70 miles per hour—well above the speed limit—when he struck Tamang, inflicting catastrophic injuries that proved fatal.
Details presented at London’s Old Bailey courtroom painted a grim picture of the events leading up to the tragedy. Clarke-Samuel was reported to have been drinking before he got behind the wheel and engaged in a series of dangerous driving behaviors, including running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road. Despite the severity of the collision and the damage caused to his vehicle’s windscreen, he failed to stop at the scene and instead drove approximately eight miles back to his home.
The emotional impact of the incident was deeply felt in the courtroom, especially during a poignant statement delivered by Tamang’s mother, Sharmila Tamang. Speaking through a translator, she expressed her heartbreak and sorrow, emphasizing that her son had come to the UK with hopes of pursuing his education. She lamented the loss of her young son due to someone else’s reckless actions, highlighting the devastating consequences of the crash on their family.
Clarke-Samuel’s defense lawyer, Benjamin Aina, conveyed his client’s remorse and explained that the rapper had believed he was being pursued at the time of the incident. Clarke-Samuel had previously been a victim of a gunpoint robbery, which contributed to his heightened state of fear that evening. Aina read a letter from Clarke-Samuel in which he expressed profound regret and sorrow for the pain caused to Tamang’s family and friends. The letter acknowledged that no apology could undo the suffering but affirmed that the young victim and his family remain in Clarke-Samuel’s thoughts every day.
It is worth noting that Ghetts has been a significant figure in the UK music scene, having earned a nomination for the prestigious 2024 Mercury Prize for his fourth studio album, “On Purpose, with Purpose.” He also received the Best Male Act award at Britain’s MOBO Awards in 2021, underscoring his influence and success. However, this tragic incident has cast a shadow over his career and serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless and impaired driving.
