On December 8, 2025, the British rap world was shaken as Ghetts, one of the most prominent figures in UK music, pleaded guilty to causing the death of a 20-year-old student, Yubin Tamang, through dangerous driving. The hearing at the Old Bailey, conducted via videolink from Pentonville prison, laid bare a tragic story that has reverberated far beyond the courtroom, touching the lives of two families and raising difficult questions about accountability, fame, and justice.
Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, is no stranger to the spotlight. A two-time Mercury Prize nominee and multiple MOBO Award winner, he has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including Glastonbury in 2024, and collaborated with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, and Skepta. But on the night of October 18, 2025, it was not his musical prowess but his actions behind the wheel of a black BMW M5 that would define headlines for months to come.
According to ITV News, the fatal collision occurred at around 11:33 pm on Redbridge Lane East in Ilford, north-east London. CCTV footage captured Yubin Tamang, a student originally from Nepal, walking along the road, looking both ways before crossing. As he reached the middle of the street, Ghetts’ BMW struck him with such force that, as prosecutor Varinder Hayre told the court, "the impact was so significant that it threw the victim up into the air at around 60 or 70 feet and the contents of his bag had been thrown out." The car did not stop, and instead continued east along Redbridge Lane, leaving Tamang fatally injured on the road.
Tamang was rushed to hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries two days later. The Metropolitan Police later confirmed his death, and his family, devastated by the loss of their only child, traveled to the UK for the court proceedings. As reported by NME and Sky News, Tamang’s father posted images to social media, writing, "My little world, all I have left is tears in my hands," a heartbreak echoed by the family’s calls for justice as they sat in the courtroom during the hearing.
The court heard that Ghetts had consumed Hennessy and Coke at around 9:30 pm on the night of the crash. He faces additional allegations of causing death by careless driving while over the legal alcohol limit, although he has not yet entered pleas to those counts. Police officers who attended the rapper’s home the day after the collision found his BMW with what was described as "significant" damage, confirming the vehicle’s involvement in the hit-and-run.
But the incident on Redbridge Lane was not the only instance of dangerous driving that night. Ghetts also admitted to dangerous driving in various parts of London, including Tavistock Place, Camden, Islington, Hackney, and the Bloomsbury area, both before and after the fatal collision. Prosecutors outlined this pattern of reckless behavior, underscoring the severity of the charges faced by the musician.
During the short hearing, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, made it clear that a prison sentence was inevitable. "The only sentence to be passed is a custodial sentence," he stated, as reported by BBC News and Sky News. The length of Ghetts’ jail term, however, will not be determined until his sentencing, scheduled for February 12, 2026. In the meantime, he remains in custody, having been remanded since his preliminary appearance at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on October 27, 2025.
In addition to the driving ban that took immediate effect following his initial court appearance, the duration of Ghetts’ disqualification from driving has yet to be decided. He also faces further legal proceedings regarding the charge of causing death by careless driving while over the alcohol limit, which will be addressed at his next court appearance.
The magnitude of the incident is heightened by Ghetts’ stature within the British music industry. As noted by NME and Bang Premier, he has been recognized not only for his chart-topping albums and electrifying performances but also for his contributions to Black British culture. His 2021 album ‘Conflict Of Interest’ was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, and he received a second nomination in 2024 for ‘On Purpose With Purpose’. The MOBO Awards honored him as Best Male Act in 2021 and bestowed upon him the MOBO Pioneer Award in 2024, acknowledging his impact on the scene. In 2024, he even made a foray into acting, appearing in the Netflix sci-fi drama Supacell.
But for many, these accolades pale in comparison to the gravity of the events of October 18. The loss of Yubin Tamang, a young man sent to the UK by his parents to pursue his education, has left a void that no sentence can fill. According to reports from the BBC and NME, Tamang was an only child, and his family’s grief has been palpable throughout the proceedings. Their presence in court underscored the human cost of reckless actions and the far-reaching consequences of a moment’s poor judgment.
The case has also sparked broader conversations about the responsibilities that come with fame and the importance of accountability, regardless of status. Ghetts’ supporters and critics alike have watched the case unfold, some expressing shock and disappointment, others emphasizing the need for justice to be served without fear or favor. The fact that the rapper admitted to drinking before driving, and that he failed to stop after the collision, has only intensified public scrutiny.
As the sentencing date approaches, attention will remain fixed on the Old Bailey. The legal process is far from over, with further charges still pending and the length of Ghetts’ driving ban yet to be determined. For now, the story stands as a sobering reminder that even those who reach the heights of success are not immune to the consequences of their actions.
In the end, the tragedy of Yubin Tamang’s death—and the legal reckoning faced by Ghetts—serves as a stark lesson about the fragility of life and the enduring impact of choices made in an instant. The music world will undoubtedly feel the absence of Ghetts, but for one family, the loss is immeasurable and permanent.
