An award winning British rapper has been charged with a fatal hit and run that took place in east London last weekend.
Justin Jude Clarke-Samuel, better known as Ghetts, has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a car collided with a 20-year-old in Ilford on Saturday 18 October. The man died in hospital the following Monday.
The rapper, 41, who appeared at Stratford magistrates court on Monday, reportedly failed to stop at the scene of the crime. Clarke-Samuel has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Barkingside magistrates court on Monday 27 October, with the BBC reporting that indictment is expected to change from causing serious injury to causing death by dangerous driving at the next hearing after the victim died.
Clarke-Samuel is an influential figure in British grime scene, having been nominated for the Mercury prize twice and winning two honours at the annual Mobo awards, including the pioneer award at last year’s ceremony for his significant contribution to British black culture.
He has also performed at major festivals including Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds and Wireless, and worked with the likes of Skepta, Dave, Little Simz and many other prominent names in British rap.
Outside music, Clarke-Samuel has also worked as an actor, most notably in a supporting role in the Netflix superhero drama series Supacell.
The police are appealing for witnesses to the crash to come forward.
