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 reportedly driven for 53 hours over three days before the fatal crash, with his longest break lasting just seven hours.
The 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 on Tuesday, footage recorded inside Erunkulu’s vehicle showed him experiencing a microsleep shortly before the crash. His car subsequently swerved off the road, struck Dray and continued travelling for about 10 seconds.
Erunkulu had reportedly worked for about 12 hours as a taxi driver on the day of the collision, taking only short breaks before the crash.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in June 2026.
The court sentenced him to six years in prison and disqualified him from driving for eight years. He will also be required to take an extended driving test if he later applies for a new driving licence.
Passing sentence, Her Honour Judge Lees said the footage showed that Erunkulu was extremely fatigued 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 demonstrated the serious 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.”
A microsleep can last only a few seconds, but during that brief period, the brain may stop processing information, according to LBC News.
