Key Points:
- Martin Asolo-Agogua, 23, admitted causing the death of nine-year-old Ada Bicakci.
- Incident occurred on Watling Street, Bexleyheath, on August 3, 2024.
- Asolo-Agogua was under the influence of cannabis and had not slept after attending a social event.
- Ada’s five-year-old brother was also injured in the crash.
- Ada died two days later in hospital.
- Asolo-Agogua pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.
- Judge Ben Gumpert KC indicated a prison sentence is inevitable, starting from six years.
- Ada was a keen gymnast and swimmer; her organs were donated to help six other children.
- Sentencing is scheduled for June.
- Asolo-Agogua previously tried to avoid press photographers by wearing a balaclava and vaulting a railing.
A bus driver in South East London has pleaded guilty to causing the death of nine-year-old Ada Bicakci after crashing into her and her brother while high on cannabis, a court heard. The driver, Martin Asolo-Agogua, 23, admitted the charges at Woolwich Crown Court, where the judge warned him that an immediate custodial sentence was inevitable.
What happened to Ada Bicakci in Bexleyheath?
On the morning of 3 August 2024, Ada Bicakci and her five-year-old brother were struck by a bus driven by Martin Asolo-Agogua on Watling Street in Bexleyheath. Both children were taken to hospital, but Ada sadly died two days later. It later emerged that Asolo-Agogua, who had stayed up all night at a social event, was under the influence of cannabis at the time of the crash.
Who is Martin Asolo-Agogua and what charges did he face?
Martin Asolo-Agogua, of Nunhead, south London, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs. During the hearing at Woolwich Crown Court on 22 April 2025, he pleaded guilty to both offences. The court heard that Asolo-Agogua had no prior sleep before getting behind the wheel of the bus and that his actions showed significant aggravating features.
What did the judge say about sentencing?
Judge Ben Gumpert KC said during the hearing:
“Looking at the sentencing guidelines, whether this is in the highest or middle level of culpability, even if that decision went in favour of the defendant, the starting point would be a sentence of six years in prison.”
He added that the combination of driving a bus under the influence of cannabis and without sleep created a highly dangerous situation. Judge Gumpert made it clear:
“You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence which has resulted in a young child losing her life. The circumstances of this offence are such that in my view it is inevitable that you will be sent immediately to prison.”
Asolo-Agogua was granted bail until his sentencing in June.
How did Ada Bicakci’s family respond?
A GoFundMe page set up to support those involved in Ada’s care shared a heartfelt statement from the Bicakci family. They said:
“We have been hit and shattered into pieces, one became six, living in new places. Thanks are not enough to show our gratitude. We’ll honour Ada with acts of magnitude. The funds will support those who helped us through, from emergency services to our hospital too. We lost count of who soaked us in love.”
The family also revealed that Ada’s organs had been donated to help six other children, turning their personal tragedy into a gift of life for others.
What has been revealed about Martin Asolo-Agogua’s behaviour after the incident?
Reports indicate that at an earlier court appearance, Asolo-Agogua tried to avoid press photographers by putting on a balaclava, hoodie, and hat before vaulting over a railing. This behaviour added further public scrutiny to an already tragic and distressing case.
