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Mercury-nominated grime artist and Netflix star Ghetts charged over fatal hit-and-run

The grime artist and actor appeared in court accused of dangerous driving after a hit-and-run in Ilford left a 20-year-old man dead.

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Rapper and actor Ghetts has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a 20-year-old died following a collision on 18 October.
Rapper and actor Ghetts has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a 20-year-old died following a collision on 18 October. Picture: Alamy

By Joseph Conlan

British rapper and actor Ghetts has been charged following a fatal hit-and-run in north-east London.

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The 41-year-old, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, is accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a hit-and-run in Ilford.

Police said a 20-year-old man was struck on Redbridge Lane East at around midnight on Saturday, 18 October.

Detectives say the driver failed to stop at the scene, with the victim taken to hospital following the collision.

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However, on the day of Clarke-Samuel's hearing, it emerged that the victim had succumbed to his injuries, with the police informing prosecutors of his death.

Police say the indictment is now expected to change from causing serious injury to causing death by dangerous driving at a separate hearing.

Rapper Ghetts has been charged after a hit-and-run in Ilford that killed a 20-year-old man.
Rapper Ghetts has been charged after a hit-and-run in Ilford that killed a 20-year-old man. Picture: Getty

Clarke-Samuel appeared before Stratford Magistrates’ Court on Monday to face the charges against him.

The musician, from Woodford Green, was remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on 27 October.

The Metropolitan Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward.

Ghetts is one of the UK’s most acclaimed grime artists, known for albums including Conflict of Interest and collaborations with Stormzy, Ed Sheeran and Skepta.

Ghetts attends The Fashion Awards 2024
Ghetts attends The Fashion Awards 2024. Picture: Alamy

He was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2021 and won the Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024 for his contribution to British black music.

The musician also appeared in the Netflix sci-fi drama Supacell.

Police inquiries into the crash remain ongoing.