On March 3, 2026, British grime artist Ghetts was sentenced to 12 years in prison at the Old Bailey after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
The 41-year-old artist, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, was convicted following a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 20-year-old student Yubin Tamang.
The court heard that in the early hours of October 18, 2025, Clarke-Samuel was driving his BMW through Ilford, northeast London, after consuming alcohol. CCTV footage presented during proceedings showed him speeding through residential streets, running red lights, and at times driving on the wrong side of the road. Prosecutors said he reached speeds close to 70mph in a 30mph zone and was over the legal alcohol limit.
That same night, Yubin Tamang was crossing the road when he was struck. Tamang had moved from Nepal to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education and build a future for himself. He was pronounced dead after suffering severe injuries.
The court was told that Clarke-Samuel did not stop at the scene. Instead, he drove away. He later pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and a separate charge of dangerous driving. He appeared for sentencing via video link from prison.
In delivering the sentence, the judge described the driving as reckless and wholly unacceptable, noting that a young life had been lost. While his guilty plea was taken into consideration, the seriousness of the offence warranted a substantial custodial sentence. In addition to the 12-year prison term, Clarke-Samuel was banned from driving for 17 years.
Ghetts rose to prominence in the 2000s as one of the defining voices of UK grime. Known for his sharp lyricism and introspective storytelling, he earned critical acclaim, including nominations for the Mercury Prize, and collaborated with artists such as Ed Sheeran. More recently, he expanded into acting, appearing in the Netflix series Supacell.
For many fans, the sentencing marks a devastating fall for an artist whose music often explored themes of growth, accountability, and personal evolution.
Beyond reputation and career, however, the case centres on the irreversible loss of a young man. Yubin Tamang had travelled thousands of miles in pursuit of education and opportunity. His family now faces a grief that no prison sentence can undo.
One decision in the early hours of that October morning changed multiple lives permanently. Clarke-Samuel will spend years behind bars. Yubin Tamang’s family will live with the loss forever.
Written by Favour Awana