A Nigerian-British taxi driver, Kolawole Erunkulu, has been sentenced to six years in prison after falling asleep at the wheel and crashing into a 59-year-old man in Surrey, United Kingdom.

Erunkulu, who is from Bexleyheath, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after his Audi crossed into a roadside lay-by on the A23 in Merstham and struck Philip Dray.

The crash happened shortly before 6:30am on August 17, 2025.

Dray had parked his Volkswagen in the lay-by to take a break. He was opening the driver’s door to return to his vehicle when Erunkulu’s Audi entered the lay-by and hit him. He died at the scene.

According to Surrey Police, CCTV showed the Audi’s nearside wheels crossing completely over the white lines into the lay-by before the vehicle corrected its course after the collision.

Investigators later reviewed footage from Erunkulu’s vehicle and work records obtained from his employers. The investigation found that he had driven for about 53 hours during the three days leading up to the crash.

His longest rest period during that time was about seven hours. He also took one break of approximately four hours and two others of about two hours each.

In the 12 hours before the collision, Erunkulu had continued working as a taxi driver, taking only short breaks.

An interior camera in his vehicle captured him falling asleep briefly, in what police described as a “microsleep”. During the episode, the Audi veered across the carriageway and entered the lay-by where Dray was standing.

Police said Erunkulu continued driving for about 10 seconds after the collision before stopping at another lay-by.

Erunkulu, who holds both British and Nigerian nationality, was charged in March 2026. He pleaded guilty when he appeared in court in June.

He was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on August 25. The court imposed a six-year prison term, with police noting that he would have faced a nine-year sentence had the case gone to trial.

He was also disqualified from driving for eight years, concurrent with his prison sentence. If he later applies for a new driving licence, he will be required to pass an extended driving test.

During sentencing, Judge Lees said the footage showed that Erunkulu was “extremely tired” but continued driving despite his condition.

“The footage shows the defendant was extremely tired and, in my view, has continued to drive when he must have known that,” the judge said.

She added: “All of this could have been stopped had he have slept.”

Acting Detective Inspector Rob Baldwin of Surrey Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said the case demonstrated the dangers of driving while severely 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 reduce a driver’s ability to stay alert and respond safely, particularly during the early morning hours when the body is naturally more inclined to sleep.

“Anyone who feels tired should not continue driving, as the consequences can be devastating,” he said.

 Family remembers Philip Dray

Dray’s family described him as an “amazing partner and man” who was dependable, caring and always willing to support others.

His sister said he was a careful and conscientious driver who spent his life putting the safety of his passengers and other road users first.

His partner described him as a “sweet, gentle, and caring man” and said they had been each other’s “cheerleader, advisor, partner, and best friend”.

She said his death had left an “enormous emotional and physical void” in her life.

Dray’s family has agreed to the release of footage showing Erunkulu falling asleep while driving, hoping it will raise awareness about the risks of driving when tired.