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Netflix star Ghetts jailed for 12 years after killing student in hit-and-run
Rapper Ghetts, born Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after causing the death of 20-year-old Yubin Tamang in a hit-and-run accident.
Per BBC News, the tragedy occurred last October in Ilford, northeast London, when Clarke-Samuel struck the Nepalese student with his BMW M5 while driving at speeds far above the limit.
Following the crash, he failed to stop and left the scene. Tamang, who had come to the UK to study, later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
The incident has drawn significant attention, both for the loss of a promising young life and the rapper's actions afterward. Clarke-Samuel, 41, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
In addition to his prison sentence, he was also disqualified from driving for 17 years. As he sat in court, the impact of the crime was felt deeply by the victim's family, who expressed their grief and frustration over the loss of their son.
Details of the crash and aftermath
Clarke-Samuel was driving his BMW at 74 mph in a 30 mph zone when he struck Tamang, who was crossing Redbridge Lane at approximately 11:33PM on October 18.
Surveillance footage revealed the erratic nature of his driving, showing him speeding and failing to stop after hitting Tamang. Instead, he continued to drive for eight miles before returning home, where he consumed alcohol and cannabis.
His car, later found near his home, showed clear signs of damage, including a shattered windscreen and a missing wing mirror.
Despite his claims that he was driving dangerously because he feared being followed, no evidence was found to support this. The judge overseeing the case expressed disbelief at the series of reckless actions that led to Tamang's death, calling the events "simply shocking."
Clarke-Samuel, who had previously been involved in other dangerous driving incidents, expressed his regret in a letter to the court, acknowledging his actions and the profound consequences for the victim’s family.
The impact on the Tamang family and the community
The Tamang family has been at the center of the emotional proceedings, with statements expressing their devastation at the loss of their only son.
Mr. Tamang's parents, Sharmila and Bikash, spoke out about their grief, with Sharmila describing the "extreme pain" of losing Yubin.
A spokesperson for the family said that while they were relieved by the guilty plea and the sentencing, they would never be able to forgive Clarke-Samuel for taking their son’s life.
Detective Sergeant Faye Cook, who led the investigation, emphasized the courage of the Tamang family throughout the case, and expressed hope that the sentencing would bring them some comfort.