Man pleads guilty to causing death by dangerous driving

A man has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal road traffic collision in Ilford in October.

It follows an investigation where Metropolitan Police officers identified, located and arrested the suspect just four hours after the incident.

Justin Clarke-Samuel, 41 (19.10.1984) of Woodford Green, also pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on Monday, 8 December to one count of dangerous driving in Camden, Islington and Hackney on the day of the collision, before the incident in which a man died.

Clarke-Samuel failed to stop his vehicle after hitting 20-year-old Yubin Tamang on Redbridge Lane East, Ilford at 23:33hrs on Saturday, 18 October. He was driving in excess of 60 miles per hour when the speed limit was 30 miles per hour, and hit Yubin who was crossing the road. Yubin died in hospital from his injuries two days later.

Detective Inspector Mark Braithwaite, of the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Yubin’s family. While nothing can undo their loss, today’s two guilty pleas mark a step toward justice. We hope this brings them some measure of comfort.

“Split-second decisions behind the wheel can have devastating, life-changing consequences. Too often, we find ourselves supporting families who have lost loved ones because drivers chose to ignore speed limits and drink laws.

“In this case, the outstanding work and diligence of our investigation team, led by Detective Sergeant Faye Cook, ensured that Clarke-Samuel had no choice but to plead guilty to two charges today.”

On the night of the collision officers researched the number plate of the vehicle involved in the collision, captured on CCTV, which showed Clarke-Samuel as the registered owner and insurance policy holder.

At 03:00hrs on Sunday, 19 October officers located the car, a BMW, parked near Clarke-Samuel’s home address. The vehicle displayed significant damage, including a smashed windscreen, extensive marks on the bonnet, damage to the front bumper and a missing wing mirror cover.

Clarke-Samuel was arrested at his home that day on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving – at this time the victim was still alive.

He was also arrested on suspicion of failing to stop and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

He was charged the same day with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The charge was amended following Yubin’s death.

Prosecutors added two further counts of dangerous driving at a court hearing at the Old Bailey on Monday, 24 November.

On Thursday, 4 December Clarke-Samuel was further charged with causing death by careless driving while over the alcohol limit.

Sentencing will take place on Thursday, 12 February.

+ Clarke-Samuel did not enter pleas to death by careless driving while over the alcohol limit and a second count of dangerous driving, specifically in Redbridge following the incident.