LONDON – A prominent British rapper has been sentenced to 12 years behind bars after pleading guilty to a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a young college student from Nepal.
Justin Clarke-Samuel, known professionally as Ghetts, received his sentence Tuesday at London’s Old Bailey courthouse for the death of 20-year-old Yubin Tamang, which occurred in north London last year.
The 41-year-old musician had entered a guilty plea in December, admitting to causing Tamang’s death while operating his vehicle under dangerous conditions. He also acknowledged a separate charge of reckless driving involving his BMW M5 prior to the deadly collision.
During court proceedings, prosecutor Philip McGhee detailed how Clarke-Samuel had consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel and driving recklessly toward his residence. The prosecutor described how the rapper ignored traffic signals and reached speeds approaching 70 miles per hour before the fatal impact.
Clarke-Samuel has achieved significant recognition in the British music scene, earning a nomination for the prestigious 2024 Mercury Prize for his fourth album titled “On Purpose, with Purpose.” He previously took home the best male performer award at the 2021 MOBO Awards and has worked alongside major recording artists such as Ed Sheeran.
