Ghetts jailed for 12 years after killing student in hit-and-run

Ghetts has been jailed for 12 years after he killed a Nepalese student in a hit-and-run collision.

The 41-year-old rapper failed to stop after his BMW hit 20-year-old Yubin Tamang in Ilford, east London, last October.

Ghetts, real name Justin Clarke-Samuel, had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Mr Tamang, who was studying in the UK after moving from Nepal, died from his injuries two days after the crash.

His mother had previously told the Old Bailey of the “unimaginable sense of loss” and “extreme pain” after losing her only child.

Sharmila Tamang said: “What we have felt is something that we have to endure. My son had dreamed of further education and had come to the UK. He wanted to gain a degree from here because it is well recognised in the world.

“Unfortunately, this tragic event happened near our home while he was returning home from work.”

CCTV showed that Clarke-Samuel was driving his BMW M5 at 74mph in a 30mph zone just moments before hitting Mr Tamang as he crossed Redbridge Lane. Clarke-Samuel failed to stop at the scene.

Apologising in a letter read by his defence lawyer, Ghetts said: “I write from a place of extreme regret, shame and remorse… I cannot express the enormous feeling of guilt and shame for the suffering I have caused.”

The letter went on: “I want Mr Tamang’s family to know that I am so truly sorry. I offer no excuses, and I have let my family and community down.”

The court also heard that Mr Tamang was hit at 67mph, while Clarke-Samuel had been involved in a collision with a Mercedes before the hit-and-run, and also narrowly avoided hitting a cyclist.

Clarke-Samuel has also been disqualified from driving.