Double-decker bus driver ‘killed nine-year-old woman in London by crashing into her whereas on medicine’
A bus driver accused of killing a nine-year-old girl while allegedly on drugs was pictured for the first time as he appeared at court.
Martin Asolo-Agogua, 23, crashed a double-decker bus into Ada Bicakci on August 3 last year on Watling Street, in Bexley south London, according to prosecutors.
He appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, where prosecutors also accused him of having 5.9 micrograms of THC – a psychoactive chemical found in cannabis – in his blood.
Ada, who was a strong swimmer and talented gymnast, was taken to hospital after the crash but died on August 5.
Following her death, Ada’s family said they were raising money for the police and ambulance service, gathering more than £14,000 in donations.
Ada also donated her organs to other children and her parents received a commendation from Anthony Clarkson the Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation.
Denise Clewes prosecuting said: ‘This is a matter which will go to the Central Criminal Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing.’
Her parents attended the brief hearing and were supported by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service.
Ada Bicakci, 9, was killed when a double decker bus struck her last August in South London
Bus driver Martin Asolo-Agogua aged 23 is accused of causing death by dangerous driving
Asolo-Agogua leaving Bromley Magistrates’ Court after a short hearing to set a plea date
In a statement they said: ‘Thanks are not enough to show our gratitude.
‘The funds will support those who helped us through, from the emergency services to our hospital too.’
It had been originally reported her five-year-old brother was also injured but he is not listed as one of the complainants in the case.
District Judge Vanessa Lloyd bailed Asolo-Agogua to appear at the Old Bailey on 22 April 22, when he will enter pleas to the two charges.
His bail conditions say he must not drive any vehicle and that he has to live at his home address until then.
Asolo-Agogua from Southwark, south London is charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving without due care or consideration while over the specified limit of an illegal drug.
