On a quiet Saturday evening, October 18, 2025, the streets of Redbridge Lane East in Ilford, east London, became the scene of a tragic event that has since sent shockwaves through both the music world and the local community. The acclaimed rapper and Netflix actor Ghetts—born Justin Clarke-Samuel, age 41—allegedly struck a 20-year-old man with his vehicle and failed to stop at the scene. The young man, whose name has not been made public, was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries two days later, on Monday, October 20, the very day Ghetts appeared before Stratford Magistrates' Court.
According to BBC News, Ghetts was initially charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. However, as the full gravity of the incident became clear, prosecutors indicated that the charge is expected to be upgraded to causing death by dangerous driving at the next hearing, scheduled for Monday, October 27, at Barkingside Magistrates' Court. The Metropolitan Police have launched an appeal, urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the scene to come forward, as the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident has placed Ghetts, a celebrated figure in the British grime scene, under intense scrutiny. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Clarke-Samuel, who hails from Woodford Green, was remanded into custody following his court appearance. As Resident Advisor reported, the artist, known for high-energy tracks like "Risky Roadz Freestyle" and "Bad Boys," had not issued a public statement, and representatives for the rapper had not responded to requests for comment by press time.
For those unfamiliar with Ghetts, his career reads like a highlight reel of UK urban music. Rising to prominence as a member of the influential east London collective Nasty Crew, he helped shape the early grime movement alongside peers such as Kano, D Double E, and Jammer. Over the years, Ghetts has amassed millions of streams on Spotify, collaborated with the likes of Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran, and performed at major festivals—including a standout appearance at Glastonbury in 2024, as noted by The Sun and Daily Star.
His list of accolades is extensive. Ghetts was nominated for a BET Award for Best International Act: UK in 2008, sharing the shortlist with Chipmunk, Giggs, and Skepta. His music has been a staple on national radio stations, including BBC Radio 1, Kiss 100, and BBC Radio 1Xtra. In 2021, he won Best Male Act at the Mobo Awards and, three years later, received the Mobo Pioneer Award for his significant contributions to British black culture—a recognition of both his artistry and his influence on the genre’s evolution.
Beyond music, Ghetts has made his mark as an actor, playing the menacing villain Crazy in the Netflix series Supacell. The role, which saw him portray a character recently released from prison and drawn back into a life of violent crime, added a new dimension to his public persona. He also appeared in the 2018 crime thriller The Intent2, further broadening his reach beyond the music scene.
In the wake of the crash, the Metropolitan Police have been clear in their call for public assistance. Officers are especially keen to trace anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have information about the movements of Clarke-Samuel’s vehicle around the time of the incident. As reported by BBC and The Sun, police appeals have extended to anyone with dashcam footage, underlining the seriousness with which investigators are treating the case.
The legal process is moving swiftly. On October 20, Ghetts appeared at Stratford Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded into custody pending his next appearance at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on October 27. The charge he currently faces—causing serious injury by dangerous driving—reflects the initial outcome of the incident. However, as several outlets including BBC and Resident Advisor have pointed out, the charge is almost certain to be upgraded to causing death by dangerous driving, given the victim’s passing. The distinction is significant; the latter charge carries a much heavier potential sentence under UK law.
The news has stunned fans and colleagues alike, many of whom have followed Ghetts’ journey from his early days in Nasty Crew to his more recent international tours with Top Boy star Kano. His fourth studio album, On Purpose, With Purpose, released in February 2025, was widely praised, and his career seemed to be at a new high. In a recent interview with Complex UK, Ghetts described himself as "a conflicted human being," reflecting on the challenges of balancing worldly ambitions with deeper personal values. "Conflicted in terms of, do you want the things of the world, or do you want—beyond that—something that can’t be taken away from you at any time? Because when you want the things of the world, you’re going to play by the rules of the world," he said, offering a glimpse into the introspective side of an artist often celebrated for his bravado and lyrical dexterity.
The case has inevitably drawn comparisons to other high-profile hit-and-run incidents involving figures in the music industry. One notable example is the case of Suge Knight, the former Death Row Records executive, who was sentenced to 28 years in prison in 2018 after being convicted of voluntary manslaughter in a fatal hit-and-run. While the circumstances differ, the parallel underscores the intense public interest and scrutiny that follow when celebrities become entangled in the criminal justice system.
As the investigation continues, the fate of Ghetts hangs in the balance. The outcome of his upcoming court appearance will likely determine not only his legal standing but also his future in music and entertainment. For now, police are urging anyone with information to come forward, while fans and observers wait anxiously for answers—and for justice for the young man whose life was cut tragically short.
In the meantime, the collision on Redbridge Lane East serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change, even for those at the very top of their game. The story is far from over, and as new details emerge, all eyes will remain on the London courts and the ongoing police investigation.
