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British rapper Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Tuesday (March 3) for causing the death of Nepali student Yubin Tamang in a hit-and-run incident in north London. Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty to driving dangerously and over the drink-drive limit, resulting in Tamang's tragic death.
The 41-year-old award-winning artist had also confessed to driving his BMW M5 recklessly before the fatal collision. Ghetts, known for his music achievements, was nominated for the 2024 Mercury Prize for his album "On Purpose, with Purpose" and won the best male act at Britain's MOBO Awards in 2021. He has collaborated with renowned artists like Ed Sheeran.
During the court proceedings at London's Old Bailey, prosecutor Philip McGhee revealed that Clarke-Samuel had been under the influence of alcohol, driving at high speeds, running red lights, and driving on the wrong side of the road before hitting Tamang at nearly 70 miles per hour. Despite the severity of the impact, Clarke-Samuel fled the scene and drove eight miles home.
Tamang's mother, Sharmila Tamang, emotionally addressed the court through a translator, expressing her grief over the loss of her son, who had come to London for studies. She stated, "My son had come to this place to study. But because of someone else's fault, he was killed at such a young age."
Clarke-Samuel's lawyer, Benjamin Aina, mentioned that his client believed he was being followed due to a past armed robbery incident, leading to the fatal decisions. Aina read out a letter written by Clarke-Samuel, where he expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the pain and suffering he had caused to Tamang's family and friends.
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