UK Court Sentences Nigerian Taxi Driver for Fatal Crash

Kolawole Erunkulu, a 45-year-old Nigerian taxi driver based in Bexleyheath, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The fatal crash occurred on August 17, 2025, when Erunkulu, who had driven for 53 hours over three days with only a seven-hour break, fell asleep at the wheel and struck 59-year-old Philip Dray, who was getting into his parked Volkswagen.

Footage from Erunkulu's vehicle showed him experiencing a microsleep shortly before the collision. He was sentenced by Her Honour Judge Lees, who noted that Erunkulu was extremely tired and should have stopped driving.

In addition to his prison sentence, Erunkulu was disqualified from driving for eight years and must undergo an extended driving test if he seeks a new license. Acting Detective Inspector Rob Baldwin emphasized the dangers of driving while fatigued, stating that fatigue can severely impair a driver's ability to react safely.