A promising student's life was tragically cut short, a devastating consequence of a speeding, inebriated driver whose actions have now led to a lengthy prison sentence.
This is the stark reality faced by the family of Yubin Tamang, a 20-year-old Nepalese national, whose future was extinguished in a horrific hit-and-run incident. The driver responsible, British rapper Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.
The grime artist, known for his collaborations with prominent musicians and performances at major festivals like Glastonbury, admitted to the charges of dangerous driving and causing death by dangerous driving. The court heard how Clarke-Samuel, driving his BMW, failed to stop after striking Yubin Tamang in north-east London. The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, October 18, 2025, when Yubin was returning from work.
But here's where it gets truly heartbreaking... Yubin's mother, Sharmila Tamang, shared her grief in court, her voice choked with tears. She spoke of her son's ambition to study in the UK, drawn by its reputation for excellent education. "My son had come for his studies to this place but, because of somebody’s mistakes, he has died at a very small age," she lamented. Yubin was their only child, a young man with "dreams, ambition, plans for his future," as his roommate Sushant Khadka poignantly stated. This single act of recklessness has not only ended a life full of potential but has also inflicted immeasurable pain on those left behind.
And this is the part most people miss... The full extent of Clarke-Samuel's reckless behavior leading up to the fatal collision was laid bare by CCTV footage, described by the judge as a "quite appalling litany of incidents." He was found to be one-and-a-half times over the legal drink-drive limit and was traveling at speeds exceeding 70mph in a 30mph zone. Before striking Yubin, he failed to stop at six red traffic lights, veered onto the wrong side of the road, and even collided with another vehicle and a motorcyclist, causing damage.
Despite the gravity of his actions, Clarke-Samuel did not stop after hitting Yubin. He drove for eight miles back to his home without contacting emergency services. Yubin tragically passed away in hospital two days later. Police, alerted to the incident, arrested Clarke-Samuel early the next morning, noting the smell of alcohol on his breath and the significant damage to his BMW.
Clarke-Samuel's defense claimed he was driving erratically because he believed he was being followed. However, no evidence of a pursuit was found. His legal team suggested this fear stemmed from a past robbery at gunpoint, for which the assailants were never apprehended. This claim, while offering a glimpse into his state of mind, does not absolve him of responsibility for his actions on that night.
It's also worth noting that Clarke-Samuel, a father of two, has a history of 12 previous convictions for 27 offenses dating back to his teenage years, including robbery and driving offenses. This prior record adds another layer to the court's decision.
While the judge acknowledged the musician's "genuine remorse" and noted letters of support highlighting his positive community impact through his music, the severity of the crime demanded a significant penalty. The sentencing also includes a 17-year disqualification from driving.
This case raises profound questions about accountability and the devastating consequences of impaired and reckless driving. Do you believe the sentence adequately reflects the loss of a young life and the immense suffering caused? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
