A drunk driver has been jailed for causing the death of a pedestrian in Ilford after he ploughed into him following a night out in central London.
41-year-old Justin Jude Clarke-Samuel was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 12 years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 17 years after he previously pleaded guilty to causing the death of 20-year-old Yubin Tamang by dangerous driving, and a further count of dangerous driving prior to the fatal collision at a hearing at the Old Bailey in December 2025.
On the evening of 18 October 2025, after consuming alcohol, Justin Clarke-Samuel – a rapper better known by his stage name – “Ghetts,” drove across central London back towards his home address in Woodford for a period of 30 minutes. During the journey, CCTV footage captured Clarke-Samuel travelling at excessive speed, executing dangerous manoeuvres and causing separate damage in a collision with another vehicle. He was seen driving on the wrong side of the road multiple times and also narrowly avoided hitting a cyclist on one occasion.
Photo: Amy Martin, (Wikimedia CCA SA 4.0 Int)
Justin Jude Clarke-Samuel (a.k.a Ghetts)
Justin Jude Clarke-Samuel (a.k.a Ghetts)
While driving on Redbridge Lane East, Clarke-Samuel collided with Yubin Tamang at a speed in excess of 60mph – more than double the 30mph speed limit, as he crossed the residential road, tragically causing him catastrophic and fatal injuries. Yubin died in hospital from his injuries two days later.
Clarke-Samuel failed to stop at the scene of the incident and continued his journey home.
After emergency responders treated Yubin at the scene, Police found the casing of a car wing mirror discarded on the road. They urgently traced the serial number attached to it and linked it to Clarke-Samuel's registered vehicle.
With this, officers went to arrest him at around 03:00hrs. On arrival, they located the car parked near his home address. The vehicle displayed significant damage, including a smashed windscreen, extensive marks on the bonnet, damage to the front bumper and a missing wing mirror cover. He made no comment during his post-arrest police interview.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service: “The strength of our case against Clarke-Samuel, which included CCTV footage, toxicology and analysis of his mobile data to pinpoint his route through London, was such that he felt he had little option but to plead guilty to his crimes.”
Whilst Clarke-Samuel had originally entered a basis of plea that he may not have been over the prescribed limit for alcohol due to post collision alcohol consumption, the prosecution did not accept this basis and proved that he was over the limit at the time of the collision and was not fit to drive that evening.
Clarke-Samuel’s basis of plea also indicated that he believed he was being followed by a vehicle, at an attempt to mitigate his reasons for his dangerous driving. However, following close CCTV analysis of the driving, the Crown disproved this could have been his reasonable belief.
Detective Sergeant Faye Cook, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with Yubin’s loved ones, especially his parents, Sharmila and Bikash, who have shown remarkable courage throughout this investigation. Their strength has inspired everyone involved in the case.
“I would like to thank the dedicated Met officers and staff who have worked tirelessly - their professionalism and determination has been unwavering.
“We hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of comfort to Yubin’s family, while also serving as a reminder to the public of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving.”
Shani Taggart, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Justin Clarke-Samuel knew he was in no fit state to drive and there was clear evidence of his excessive speed and disregard for road users as he drove incredibly dangerously across our city.
“We built a comprehensive case against Clarke-Samuel, focusing on CCTV footage, toxicology, and analysis of his mobile data to pinpoint his route through London.
“After presenting this evidence, we secured guilty pleas to these two charges and today’s sentence will see Clarke-Samuel face the consequences of his fatal decision to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking.
“Our thoughts remain with Yubin Tamang’s family today as they grieve the loss of their only child, and with his loved ones who have to navigate a life without him.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Yubin Tamang’s family said: “Firstly, we would like to thank our close family, relatives and friends who have provided much-needed help, advice, and guidance during this, the most tragic time of our lives.
“Secondly, we extend our immense gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the London Metropolitan Police detectives and forensics team for their exceptional dedication and thorough investigation, and the Crown Prosecution Service for recognising the seriousness of this case and raising the charges.
“We speak today with hearts broken beyond repair. Our only child, a precious soul has been taken from us far too soon. He came to the UK to study and create a better life for himself and his family. Justin Clarke-Samuel has stolen our son’s future and ours with it.
“We are relieved that Justin Clarke-Samuel pleaded guilty and that he has now been jailed, but we can never forgive him for what he has done.”
Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Met officers thanked Autar Shreshta, a serving member of the British Army, whose support to the Tamang family as Liaison Officer and Interpreter was deemed invaluable.
Detective Sergeant Cook also highlighted the role of Detective Constable Ed Carter, who demonstrated the utmost diligence throughout the investigation.