Rapper and grime artist Ghetts has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a fatal hit-and-run in Ilford, east London.
The musician, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, allegedly failed to stop after hitting a 20-year-old man on Redbridge Lane East on Saturday, 18 October, the Metropolitan Police confirmed. CCTV footage of the crash shows him running over a man whilst driving at speed with no attempt to break.
The victim was taken to hospital but died on Monday, the same day Clarke-Samuel appeared before Stratford Magistrates’ Court. The charge is expected to be upgraded to causing death by dangerous driving at the next hearing.
The 41-year-old, from Woodford Green, was remanded into custody and is due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 27 October.
Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the collision to come forward.
Ghetts, a Mercury Prize-nominated artist, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the UK grime scene. He has collaborated with artists including Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, and Skepta, and has been recognised with multiple accolades, including the Best Male Act at the 2021 Mobo Awards and the Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024 for his contribution to British black culture.