Taxi Driver Jailed for Six Years After Fatal Fatigue-Related Crash in Surrey

Fatal Collision on the A23

A taxi driver has been jailed for six years after falling asleep at the wheel and causing the death of a man in a layby on the A23 in Surrey. Kolawole Erunkulu, 45, from Bexleyheath, was driving an Audi shortly before 6.30am on Sunday, 17 August 2025, when his vehicle swerved across the carriageway and struck 59-year-old Philip Dray. Mr Dray had parked his Volkswagen in a layby to take a break and was opening the driver's door to get back into his vehicle when he was hit; he died at the scene.

CCTV footage showed the Audi's nearside wheels crossing completely over the white lines into the layby before the vehicle corrected its course after the collision. The court heard that Erunkulu had fallen asleep at the wheel, with video from an interior camera showing him falling into a "microsleep" — a brief episode of sleep lasting just seconds, during which the brain does not process information. During one such episode, the Audi veered across the carriageway and collided with Mr Dray, who was standing in the layby. The vehicle continued for another 10 seconds before Erunkulu parked in the next layby.

Fatigue from Excessive Working Hours

An investigation conducted by detectives, along with data obtained from Erunkulu's employers, revealed that he had been driving for around 53 hours over the three days leading up to the collision. His longest rest period in that time was just seven hours, three days before the crash; he had also taken one break of approximately four hours and two breaks of around two hours. In the period immediately before the collision, he had been working as a taxi driver for around 12 hours, with only minor breaks.

Acting Detective Inspector Rob Baldwin of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "Mr Erunkulu had worked long hours with insufficient rest over the preceding days, accumulating a sleep debt." He added: "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." Baldwin urged drivers not to continue when tired, saying, "Anyone who feels tired should not continue driving, as the consequences can be devastating."

Sentencing and Court Remarks

Erunkulu, who has joint British and Nigerian nationality, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving when he appeared in court in June. He was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Tuesday, 25 August. Her Honour Judge Lees told the court: "The footage shows the defendant was extremely tired and, in my view, has continued to drive when he must have known that." She added: "He was driving commercially. 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."

The judge imposed a sentence of six years in prison. Had Erunkulu been convicted after a trial, the sentence would have been nine years. He was also disqualified from driving for eight years, running concurrently with his prison sentence, and will be subject to an extended retest if he reapplies for his licence.

Tributes to Philip Dray

In statements read to the court, Philip Dray's family paid tribute to him. His partner described him as "a sweet, gentle, and caring man" and said they were each other's "cheerleader, advisor, partner, and best friend," adding that he was "the one who was always there to give me a hug." She said, "Phil was my partner and my soulmate," and spoke of "an enormous emotional and physical void" without him.

His sister remembered him as "dependable and steady" and "the sort of person people could rely on without hesitation." She said: "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." The family described him as "an amazing partner and man." They agreed to the release of video footage showing Erunkulu falling asleep at the wheel to highlight the dangers of driving while fatigued.

Police Warning

Acting Detective Inspector Rob Baldwin said: "This case sadly highlights the very real dangers of driving while fatigued." The Serious Collision Investigation Unit's inquiry demonstrated how a lack of sleep can have fatal consequences, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking breaks during long journeys.