A UK-based Nigerian taxi driver, Kolawole Erunkulu, has been sentenced to six years in prison after falling asleep at the wheel and fatally hitting a man who had stopped in a lay-by for a break.
Erunkulu, 45, from Bexleyheath, had driven for about 53 hours over three days before the crash, with his longest break lasting only seven hours.
The fatal incident occurred on August 17, 2025, when Erunkulu’s Audi veered off the road and struck 59-year-old Philip Dray as he was getting into his Volkswagen after stopping in a lay-by.
According to LBC News, footage from inside Erunkulu’s vehicle showed him experiencing a microsleep shortly before the crash. His vehicle then swerved off the road, struck Dray and continued moving for about 10 seconds.
Erunkulu had reportedly worked for about 12 hours as a taxi driver with only short breaks before the collision.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in June 2026.
He was sentenced to six years in prison and disqualified from driving for eight years. He will also be required to take an extended driving test if he applies for a new licence.
Passing sentence, Her Honour Judge Lees said the footage showed Erunkulu was extremely tired and should have stopped driving.
“The footage shows the defendant was extremely tired and, in my view, has continued to drive when he must have known that. He was driving commercially,” she said.
“Even though he didn’t have a passenger, he could have done and has driven in that state. All of this could have been stopped had he have slept.”
Acting Detective Inspector Rob Baldwin of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said the case highlighted the dangers of driving while fatigued.
“This case sadly highlights the very real dangers of driving while fatigued. Mr Erunkulu had worked long hours with insufficient rest over the preceding days, accumulating a sleep debt,” he said.
“Fatigue can seriously impair a driver’s ability to remain alert and react safely, particularly during the early hours of the morning when the natural drive to sleep is at its strongest. Anyone who feels tired should not continue driving, as the consequences can be devastating.”
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