A drugged up bus driver who ploughed into a young girl on her bike and killed her has been sentenced to four years in prison. Martin Asolo-Ogugua was jailed for four years at Woolwich Crown Court today (Monday, June 9) for causing the death of 9-year-old Ada Bicakci.
The 23-year-old bus driver, of Banfield Road, Southwark, fell asleep at the wheel after taking cannabis the night before. He mounted the pavement at the same time Ada was riding her bike across with her family, crashing into her.
Officers rushed to Watling Street, near the junction with Halcot Avenue, Bexleyheath, at around 9am on Saturday, August 3 following the collision. The bus had collided with two children, one of whom had suffered life-threatening injuries.
Ada was rushed to hospital when she sadly died the following Monday. Her family only suffered minor injuries, after they were able to jump out of the way of the bus.
Ada’s father, Bora, said: “The images of that horrific moment remain seared into my mind. That scene replays endlessly, a constant reminder of the day my world fractured beyond repair.
“This tragedy happened on my watch, a father’s ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled.
“My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten.
“We will make this story one of love and thanks that we owe everybody. Your presence, and passing, will leave a mark in this country and we will fight to make drug driving a part of its history.”
Asolo-Ogugua failed a drug test which he took at the scene, before being arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and drug-driving. Police used CCTV evidence to gather enough evidence to charge the bus driver on Thrusday, February 13.
He pleaded guilty to both offences at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, April 22. Asolo-Ogugua was also disqualified from driving for seven years.
Senior Crown Prosecutor, Miranda Jollie, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Asolo-Ogugua was reckless and utterly selfish to get behind the wheel of a bus after consuming drugs and put many lives at risk that day.
“His actions have robbed a young girl of her entire life. Our thoughts remain with Ada’s family and friends as they try to come to terms with their unimaginable loss
“I hope his sentence today can help to bring some closure for Ada’s family and highlight the devastating consequences of drug driving.”
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