Bus Driver Who Killed Child After Taking Drugs Has Sentence Increased Following Appeal

Overview

A bus driver who killed a nine-year-old girl after falling asleep at the wheel under the influence of drugs has had his sentence increased by the Court of Appeal following intervention by the Solicitor General.

Martin Asolo-Ogugua, 23, from Peckham, South London, saw his sentence extended from four years to six years and eight months after Lucy Rigby KC MP, the Solicitor General, referred the case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The tragic incident occurred on the morning of 3 August 2024 in Bexleyheath, when Asolo-Ogugua, driving a bus, fell asleep and veered off the road. The vehicle mounted the pavement, striking Ada Bicakci, who was cycling with her family.

While Ada’s family members managed to jump to safety with minor injuries, Ada sustained catastrophic injuries. She was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away two days later.

Driver Was Under Influence of Cannabis

A roadside drug test revealed that Asolo-Ogugua had taken cannabis the night before the fatal collision. CCTV footage from inside the bus showed him yawning, opening the driver’s window for fresh air, and frequently closing his eyes in the moments leading up to the crash.

Ada’s family issued a heart-wrenching Victim Personal Statement describing her as a “beautiful child with a huge, kind heart, who loved to help those in need.”

Sentence Increased After Legal Review

Asolo-Ogugua was originally sentenced on 9 June 2025 to four years’ imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed drug limit.

However, following public outcry and a review by the Attorney General’s Office, the case was referred to the Court of Appeal, which ruled the original sentence was unduly lenient. On 6 August 2025, the court increased his sentence to six years and eight months.

Solicitor General’s Statement

Speaking after the judgment, Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

“Martin Asolo-Ogugua’s selfishness needlessly took the life of a young girl, causing irreparable damage to a family. I welcome the court’s decision to increase his sentence and would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Ada’s family.”

Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme

The Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme allows victims of crime, their families, prosecutors, or members of the public to ask for certain sentences to be reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office if they believe the punishment is too low.