The driver did not stop at the scene.
Award-winning rapper Ghetts has appeared in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a fatal crash in north-east London.
The British grime artist, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, allegedly failed to stop after his BMW hit 20-year-old Nepalese student Yubin Tamang in Ilford.
The tragic incident took place on Redbridge Lane East at around 11.33pm on October 18.
CCTV footage reportedly captured Mr Tamang walking along the road moments before the collision.
The force of the impact was said to have thrown the young student approximately 70 feet into the air.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and Mr Tamang was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Despite medical efforts, he sadly died two days later.
The court was told that Mr Tamang was an only child who had been sent to the UK by his parents to pursue his education.
The rapper, aged 41 and from Woodford, east London, was arrested at his home address during the early hours of the following day.
He had initially been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, but this was later changed to causing death by dangerous driving following the victim’s death.
During his appearance at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, Clarke-Samuel wore a grey prison-issue tracksuit and appeared in the dock flanked by two prison guards.
He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address before being remanded in custody.
The public gallery was filled with members of the victim’s family, many visibly emotional as the details of the crash were read aloud.
Prosecutors told the court that Clarke-Samuel’s black BMW M5 allegedly struck Mr Tamang with significant force and that the driver did not stop at the scene.
The indictment was formally updated during the brief administrative hearing, and Clarke-Samuel was not asked to enter a plea.
The case has now been referred to the Old Bailey, where the rapper is scheduled to appear on November 24.
Until then, he remains in custody while the police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Ghetts, one of the UK’s most influential grime artists, is known for his lyrical storytelling and collaborations with major acts including Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, and Skepta.
His career spans over a decade and has helped shape Britain’s modern rap scene.
He won the Best Male Act at the Mobo Awards in 2021 and, more recently, received the prestigious Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024 for his “significant contribution to British black culture.”
He has also been nominated for the Mercury Prize, further cementing his place as a leading figure in UK music.
In addition to his music career, Ghetts appeared in the hit Netflix sci-fi series Supacell, earning praise for his on-screen performance.
However, the court case has cast a shadow over his achievements, with fans expressing shock at the news of the charges.
The death of Yubin Tamang has left the Nepalese community in the UK deeply saddened.
Tributes have poured in online, with many calling him a bright and promising student whose life was tragically cut short.
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