Rapper Ghetts sentenced to 12 years for hit-and-run that killed Nepali student
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
LONDON (AP) — British rapper Ghetts has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for killing a 20-year-old Nepali student in a London hit-and-run last year.
Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, was speeding and under the influence of alcohol as he drove erratically before the incident in October 2025, according to prosecutors.
Clarke-Samuel, 41, was also barred from driving for 17 years on Tuesday by Judge Mark Lucraft, who said CCTV footage showed “a quite appalling litany of incidents” leading to a “simply shocking” fatal collision with student Yubin Tamang, who suffered catastrophic injuries and died two days later.
Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty in London’s Central Criminal Court in December to causing death by dangerous driving.
The judge noted that the rapper had expressed remorse, in a letter to the court.
“As you set out, you have done much to help others over the last 10 years and all that good work is marred by driving in drink and taking the life of another young man,” the judge said.
Prosecutors said Clarke-Samuel had been drinking alcohol at a bar in central London, and drove his BMW erratically at around 70 mph (112 kilometers per hour) before the crash, running six red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road. The victim was struck as he crossed the street, sustaining catastrophic injuries.
“Mr. Tamang was still crossing the road. He could do nothing to avoid a collision. Mr. Tamang was catapulted into the air before crashing down on the roadway,” prosecutor Philip McGhee said. He added that Clarke-Samuel did not stop or call emergency services, but rather drove eight miles home.
In a statement, Tamang’s parents, Sharmila and Bikash Tamang, said their hearts were “broken beyond repair.”
“Our only child, a precious soul, has been taken from us far too soon,” they said. “He came to the U.K. 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.”
Clarke-Samuel’s lawyer, Ben Aina, read excerpts from a letter of apology to Tamang’s family.
“I write from a place of extreme regret, shame and remorse,” the rapper wrote. “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.”
Ghetts won best male act in 2021 at Britain’s MOBO awards, and has collaborated with artists like Ed Sheeran and Stormzy.