British rapper and ‘Supacell’ actor Ghetts, real name Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run incident that killed 20-year-old Nepalese student Yubin Tamang in London. Ghetts was driving his BMW M5 at over 60mph in a 30mph zone while intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level 1.5 times the legal limit. He failed to stop at the scene and drove approximately eight miles back to his home, where he was later arrested.
The court heard that Tamang was crossing the road when he was struck, sustaining catastrophic injuries and dying two days later. Ghetts pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and an additional charge of dangerous driving. Judge Mark Lucraft KC described the incident as “simply shocking” and disqualified Ghetts from driving for 17 years.
Ghetts, a nominee for the 2024 Mercury Prize, has apologized for his actions, expressing “extreme regret, shame, and remorse”. Tamang’s family has expressed their heartbreak, stating that Ghetts has “stolen their son’s future”.
