A UK-based Nigerian taxi driver, Kolawole Erunkulu, has been sentenced to six years in prison after falling asleep behind the wheel and fatally hitting a man who had stopped in a lay-by.
Erunkulu, 45, from Bexleyheath, had reportedly driven for 53 hours over three days before the fatal collision, with his longest rest period lasting only seven hours.
The crash 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 for a break.
According to LBC News, footage recorded inside Erunkulu’s vehicle showed him experiencing a microsleep shortly before the crash. His vehicle subsequently swerved off the road and hit Dray before continuing for about 10 seconds.
Erunkulu had reportedly worked as a taxi driver for about 12 hours, taking only short breaks, before the collision.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in June 2026.
At sentencing, Her Honour Judge Lees said the footage showed that 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.”
In addition to the six-year prison sentence, Erunkulu was disqualified from driving for eight years. He will also be required to undergo an extended driving test if he applies for a new licence.
Acting Detective Inspector Rob Baldwin of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said the case demonstrated the potentially devastating consequences 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,” Baldwin said.
He warned that fatigue could significantly affect a driver’s ability to remain alert and respond safely, particularly during the early hours of the morning.
“Anyone who feels tired should not continue driving, as the consequences can be devastating,” he added.
A microsleep can last only a few seconds, but during that period, the brain may temporarily fail to process information, making it particularly dangerous for motorists.
For Dray’s family, the crash ended the life of a man they described as caring, dependable and deeply respected.
His family described him as “an amazing partner and man” who was steady and dependable.
His sister said Dray lived a quiet life but cared deeply about others and treated people with respect.
“He never sought attention and lived his life quietly, but he cared deeply about others and treated people with respect and decency. He was simply a good man,” she said.
She added that Dray had spent his life as a careful and conscientious driver, always concerned about the safety of his passengers and other road users.
“The fact that he, someone who worked every day to keep others safe, had his life taken in such a way makes this loss even more incomprehensible and tragic,” she said.
Dray’s partner also described him as a “sweet, gentle, and caring man” and “the one who was always there to give me a hug”.
“Phil was my partner and my soulmate,” she said, adding that his death had left “an enormous emotional and physical void”.
She recalled how Dray would call her several times a day while waiting for clients or during lunch simply to ask about her day.
“He would ring me several times a day whenever he was waiting for a client or at lunch, just to see how my day was going. I miss those calls very much,” she said.