Rapper Ghetts jailed over fatal collision in north east London

The mother of a man killed by a car driven by rapper Ghetts in north east London has told a court of the 'extreme pain' of losing her only child.

Weeping in court, Mr Tamang's mother Sharmila Tamang said: "My son had come for studies to this place but because of somebody's mistakes he has died at a very small age. Yubin was our only child.

"My son had come for his studies to the UK saying the UK had the best degree in the world. But on his way back from his work this happened and he lost his life."

Mr Tamang's roommate Sushant Khadka said in a statement read to the court: "Yubin was only 20 years old. He had dreams, ambition, plans for his future."

He said the incident had not only led to the loss of a life "full of promise", it had also permanently affected the lives of others.

Yubin Tamang was hit by the car driven by Justin Clarke-Samuel as he crossed Redbridge Lane, Ilford, at 11.33pm on 18th October 2025

Today a judge sentenced him to 12 years for causing death by dangerous driving.

The 41-year-old defendant wore all black in the dock when he appeared at the Old Bailey

Outlining the facts, prosecutor Philip McGhee said Clarke-Samuel had been drinking alcohol on the evening of Saturday October 18 2025.

He was said to be one and a half times over the legal drink-drive limit and was driving at speeds up to 70mph before the crash.

As he drove his BMW M5 at speed back towards his home in Woodford, east London, he failed to stop at six red traffic lights, the court was told.

He repeatedly veered onto the wrong side of the road, mounted the curb and collided with a motorcyclist and a Mercedes, causing damage.

He was going more than 60mph in a 30mph road before he hit Mr Tamang

Prosecutor Philip McGhee said there was nothing the 20 year old could do to avoid a collision.

"The defendant's BMW ploughed into him. Mr Tamang was catapulted into the air before crashing down on the roadway. He sustained catastrophic injuries.

"The defendant nonetheless continued to drive his car along Redbridge Lane East and for around another eight miles, for over a quarter of an hour after the collision, before completing his journey close to his home address at 11.48pm."

The defendant made no call to emergency services and Mr Tamang died in hospital from his injuries two days later.

The court was shown a compilation of CCTV of Clarke-Samuel's erratic driving including graphic footage of the moment he hit Mr Tamang.

Afterwards, an Uber driver saw what he initially thought was a "bundle of clothes in the road" and called 999 on realising Mr Tamang was seriously injured.

Another motorist stopped and carried out first aid before emergency services arrived.

In mitigation, Ben Aina KC read out extracts of a letter Clarke-Samuel had written apologising to Mr Tamang's family.

The rapper stated: "I write from a place of extreme regret, shame and remorse. I am fully aware that there are no number of apologies that I can say which will soothe the pain that the family and friends of Mr Tamang must feel.

"This may be the only chance that I get to apologise. It was truly an unintentional act on my part and I am so sincerely sorry for the suffering and emotional distress that I have caused."

Explaining the root of the defendant's fears, Mr Aina said that in 2017, Clarke-Samuel had been robbed at gunpoint at a studio and although it had been reported to police, the assailants were never caught.

The rapper was provided with a driver while working and usually took taxis when going out, Mr Aina added, saying: "Sadly that was not the case on October 18."

The court was told how the defendant had taken numerous young people "under his wing", providing them with guidance and support.

Following the sentencing, detectives paid tribute to strength of Yubin’s parents.

Detective Sergeant Faye Cook, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with Yubin’s loved ones, especially his parents, Sharmila and Bikash, who have shown remarkable courage throughout this investigation. Their strength has inspired everyone involved in the case.

“I would like to thank the dedicated Met officers and staff who have worked tirelessly - their professionalism and determination has been unwavering.

“We hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of comfort to Yubin’s family, while also serving as a reminder to the public of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving.”

Speaking after the sentencing, Yubin Tamang’s family said: “Firstly, we would like to thank our close family, relatives and friends who have provided much-needed help, advice, and guidance during this, the most tragic time of our lives.

“Secondly, we extend our immense gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the London Metropolitan Police detectives and forensics team for their exceptional dedication and thorough investigation, and the Crown Prosecution Service for recognising the seriousness of this case and raising the charges.

“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.

“We are relieved that Justin Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty and that he has now been jailed, but we can never forgive him for what he has done.”

Ghetts is a rapper and songwriter who has collaborated on tracks with Skepta, Stormzy and Ed Sheeran, and performed at Glastonbury several times including in 2024.

The critically acclaimed artist has been nominated for multiple awards. He won best male act at the 2021 Mobo Awards and received the Mobo pioneer award in 2024.

He also starred as a gang leader called "Krazy" in the Netflix sci-fi series Supacell, about five black south Londoners who unexpectedly develop superpowers.

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