The bus driver who admitted being under the influence of drugs when he killed nine-year-old Ada Bicakci in a crash in Bexleyheath has been pictured for the first time.
On Tuesday, April 22, Martin Asolo-Agogua pled guilty to causing death by reckless driving and driving while unfit through drugs (cannabis), and police published a custody image of him.
The 23-year-old from Nunhead had been up all night at a social gathering when he slammed the bus into Ada and her five-year-old brother on Watling Street on August 3, last year, according to court testimony.
Ada, a Turkish and British citizen, was a “keen” gymnast and swimmer.
Her relatives stated that following her death, her organs were donated to six other children.
More than £14,000 was raised in Ada’s memory, with her family stating: “We were attacked and smashed into bits, one became six, living in new places.
“Thanks aren’t enough to express our thanks. We will pay tribute to Ada with grand gestures.
“The contributions will go to people who helped us get through, including emergency services and our hospital. We’ve lost track of who drowned us in affection.
Asolo-Agogua was told that he would face a prison sentence when he was sentenced in June.
Judge Ben Gumpert KC stated, “Looking at the sentencing guidelines, whether this is in the highest or middle level of culpability, even if that decision went in favor of the defendant, the starting point would be a six-year prison sentence.”
“And there are, it seems to me, considerable aggravating features because he was driving a bus, under the influence of cannabis, and that he hadn’t slept the night before having been, as I understand it, at a social event.”
The defendant was released on bail pending sentencing.
Judge Gumpert stated, “You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence that resulted in the death of a young child.”
“The circumstances of this offence are such that in my view it is inevitable that you will be sent immediately to prison.”
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