Acclaimed British grime artist Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been remanded in custody following a fatal hit-and-run incident in Ilford, northeast London. The 20-year-old victim was struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by Ghetts on October 18, 2025, and later succumbed to his injuries while the musician was making his first court appearance.
Acclaimed artist Ghetts remains in custody after deadly hit-and-run that claimed a young victim’s life in London.
According to police reports, the incident began when Ghetts punched a man before striking the victim with his car and immediately fleeing the scene. The rapper appeared at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on October 20, 2025, initially charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, though authorities expect to upgrade the charge to causing death by dangerous driving following the victim’s passing.
The court ordered Ghetts to remain in custody until his next scheduled appearance on October 27, 2025, at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court. Law enforcement officials have issued public appeals for witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues to unfold.
This legal trouble marks a stark contrast to Ghetts’s decorated career in the UK music scene. The artist, who received the prestigious Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024 for his contributions to British black culture, has collaborated with industry heavyweights including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, and Skepta. At 41 years old, the rapper now faces serious criminal charges that could significantly impact his future career prospects. The tragic incident has become a focal point for raising road safety awareness throughout the community.
Beyond music, Ghetts had recently expanded his portfolio to include acting, securing a role in Netflix’s sci-fi series “Supacell.” The incident represents a severe setback for an artist who had previously focused on personal branding as a key component of his successful music career.
The incident has sparked significant discussion about accountability among public figures, particularly within the music industry. Prior to his arrest, Ghetts had been exploring sync licensing opportunities to diversify his income streams beyond traditional performance revenue. As Ghetts remains behind bars, the case continues to attract intense media scrutiny, with many wondering how these serious allegations will impact his legacy as one of grime music’s most influential voices.
The court proceedings represent a dramatic fall from grace for an artist who previously performed at major events like Glastonbury Festival. Police continue their investigation, with the possibility of additional charges as more evidence emerges regarding the circumstances of that fateful October evening.
