On a quiet October night in Ilford, east London, a tragedy unfolded that has since rippled through the UK’s music community and beyond. Justin Clarke-Samuel, better known to fans as Ghetts, now finds himself at the center of a high-profile legal battle, facing multiple charges related to the death of 20-year-old student Yubin Tamang in an alleged hit-and-run incident. The case, which has drawn attention from both national media and the global grime scene, continues to develop as the acclaimed rapper remains in custody, awaiting his next court appearance.
According to BBC and corroborated by several outlets including Metro and Sky News, the incident occurred on October 18, 2025, at approximately 11:33pm. Prosecutors allege that Ghetts was behind the wheel of a black BMW when he struck Tamang on Redbridge Lane, Ilford, before failing to stop at the scene. Tamang, a promising student at the University of Roehampton and an only child sent from Nepal to the UK for education, succumbed to his injuries two days later, on October 20.
The immediate aftermath of the collision saw Ghetts facing a single charge of causing death by dangerous driving. However, as the investigation progressed, the 41-year-old musician was hit with two further counts of dangerous driving—one relating to his conduct before the fatal crash, and another to his actions afterward. Authorities allege that, prior to the incident, Ghetts had been driving dangerously in Tavistock Place and other roads in Camden, north London. After the collision, he is said to have continued driving recklessly in Worcester Crescent, Redbridge, en route to his home in King’s Avenue, Woodford, east London.
Police moved swiftly, attending Clarke-Samuel’s Woodford address in the early hours of October 19. The black BMW involved, registered and insured in the defendant’s name, was reportedly found with significant damage. Following his arrest, Ghetts was remanded in custody and has remained there since his preliminary appearance at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on October 27, 2025, as reported by Sky News and Evening Standard.
The legal proceedings reached a new stage on November 24, when Ghetts appeared at The Old Bailey via videolink from Pentonville prison. Wearing a plain, grey short-sleeved T-shirt, the rapper spoke only to confirm his name. In the courtroom, the gravity of the moment was palpable, as members of Yubin Tamang’s family—who had traveled from Nepal—watched the proceedings. Judge Nigel Lickley KC, presiding over the case, adjourned the hearing and set a plea date for December 8, 2025. Clarke-Samuel was told he may appear by videolink again at that time.
The loss of Yubin Tamang has been deeply felt by his family and friends, both in the UK and Nepal. His father, heartbroken, shared a poignant tribute on social media: “My little world, all I have left is tears in my hands.” Tamang’s sister, Manita Rai, echoed the family’s grief and hope for justice, posting on TikTok: “Please get justice for my brother. We miss you.” Friends described Yubin as a “good person” and a “good student,” with David, a friend who lived with him in east London, telling Metro, “He was my brother. I can barely speak. I am so upset. He was a good person, a very good person.”
For Ghetts, the charges mark a dramatic turn in a career that has seen him rise to the pinnacle of British music. Born and raised in east London, Clarke-Samuel has been a fixture in the grime scene for over two decades. He launched his debut studio album, Rebel with a Cause, in 2014, followed by Conflict of Interest in 2021. His collaborations with artists such as Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran have earned him millions of streams and a loyal following. Notably, he was awarded Best Male Act at the 2021 MOBO Awards and received the MOBO Pioneer Award in 2024 for his “significant contribution to British black culture.”
Ghetts’ influence stretches beyond music. Last year, he was seen on stage at Glastonbury and, more recently, appeared in the Netflix superhero drama Supacell—a testament to his versatility and growing presence in entertainment. Yet, as the legal saga unfolds, his artistic achievements are now being weighed alongside the serious allegations he faces.
The facts of the case, as outlined by BBC, Sky News, and Evening Standard, are stark. The prosecution alleges a pattern of dangerous driving that began before the fatal incident and continued afterward. The black BMW, a key piece of evidence, was found damaged at Ghetts’ home. The timeline—dangerous driving in Camden, the collision in Ilford, continued reckless driving in Redbridge, and the discovery of the vehicle in Woodford—paints a troubling picture that the court will soon examine in detail.
As the December 8 plea hearing approaches, the case has ignited discussions about celebrity, responsibility, and the impact of road safety. For some, the story is a sobering reminder that fame offers no immunity from the consequences of one’s actions. For others, especially fans of Ghetts, the news is both shocking and tragic, raising questions about the pressures faced by public figures and the need for due process in the justice system.
Meanwhile, the family of Yubin Tamang continues to mourn a son and brother whose life was cut short. Their calls for justice resonate with many, both within the Nepalese diaspora and the wider community. The outpouring of tributes and support reflects the sense of loss and the hope that the legal process will provide answers—and, perhaps, some measure of closure.
As the legal proceedings move forward, all eyes will remain on The Old Bailey, where a celebrated artist must now answer to the most serious of allegations. The outcome will not only determine Ghetts’ future but will also serve as a lasting chapter in the intertwined stories of music, justice, and the lives forever changed one October night in London.
