Rapper and music star Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, was sentenced at London’s Old Bailey on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the death of 20-year-old Yubin Tamang in Ilford, northeast London in October 2025, the court heard.

Clarke-Samuel, 41, admitted that he had been behind the wheel of his BMW M5 when he struck Mr Tamang, who had come from Nepal to study in the UK, as he crossed the road at around 11.30pm on 18 October, prosecutors said. The rapper also pleaded guilty to an additional charge of driving dangerously prior to the fatal collision, with evidence indicating he was travelling at speeds well above the limit and running red lights on local roads shortly before the crash.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC imposed a 12 year sentence after telling Clarke Samuel that his actions had caused irreversible harm and lifelong pain for the Tamang family. He added,

“Your decision to drive a vehicle dangerously while under the influence of alcohol was reckless beyond belief.”

Mr Tamang was taken to hospital after the collision and died from his injuries two days later, leaving his family “broken beyond repair” as they expressed their grief and emotional devastation over the loss of their only child who had travelled to the UK for education and a better future.

In a victim statement read in court through an interpreter, Mr Tamang’s mother said the family was experiencing,

“extreme pain and an unimaginable sense of loss,”

Following the tragedy, underscoring the profound impact of her son’s death on those who loved him. Prosecutors told jurors that after the collision Clarke-Samuel continued to drive without stopping to help or contact emergency services, behaviour that was described as a blatant disregard for life. The prosecutor said,

“A young man lost his life at the hands of someone who should not have been behind the wheel of a car.”

The sentence also reflects changes in the law in recent years that have increased maximum penalties for causing death by dangerous driving, particularly where drink-driving is involved, and where offenders fail to stop or render assistance after a fatal crash.

The family of Mr Tamang expressed relief that Clarke-Samuel has been jailed, but maintained they could never forgive him for his actions, saying the loss of their son was “far too soon” and that the sentence, while significant, could not bring him back.

At the time of sentencing, it was noted that Clarke-Samuel’s conviction could see him serve a portion of his term in custody and be released on licence at a later point, consistent with standard provisions for offenders of this type, though the full impact of the term will be felt by all involved.

The judge also highlighted the importance of road safety and the severe consequences of driving under the influence, urging others to reflect on the tragic outcome of Clarke-Samuel’s choice to drive dangerously on that night.

No additional official comment has been made by Clarke-Samuel or his legal team in the immediate aftermath of the sentencing, but the case has prompted discussion about dangerous driving and accountability within the music and wider community.