A United Kingdom Court of Appeal has increased the prison sentence of the bus driver convicted in the death of 9-year-old Ada Bicakci, concluding that the original sentence did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the offenses.

Martin Asolo-Ogugua, 24, was initially sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. Following a referral by the Solicitor General, the Court of Appeal reviewed the case and increased his sentence to six years and eight months.

The fatal collision occurred on August 3, 2024, in Bexleyheath, south London, as Ada was riding her bicycle along the pavement with her father and brother on their way to a gymnastics class.

According to prosecutors, Asolo-Ogugua was driving a double-decker bus for Arriva when the vehicle left the roadway and struck Ada. She suffered critical injuries and died two days later in hospital despite receiving medical treatment.

Evidence presented during the court proceedings showed that the driver had nearly three times the legal limit of cannabis in his system at the time of the crash.

Investigators also relied on CCTV footage from inside the bus, which reportedly showed Asolo-Ogugua appearing drowsy, repeatedly yawning, and struggling to remain alert while driving. Prosecutors said the footage captured his eyes closing several times, while witnesses described the bus traveling erratically for approximately 13 minutes before the collision.

According to prosecutors, the driver appeared to fall asleep for up to 15 seconds, during which the bus drifted off course before striking Ada.

Following the crash, Asolo-Ogugua was arrested at the scene and later pleaded guilty to both charges.

In its decision, the Court of Appeal concluded that the original sentence was unduly lenient, finding that the driver knowingly chose to operate the bus despite being impaired by drugs and suffering from extreme fatigue, creating a significant danger to the public.

The court also imposed a five-year driving disqualification, which will begin after his release from prison.

While the increased sentence has been welcomed by many as better reflecting the seriousness of the case, Ada’s family continues to grieve the heartbreaking loss of a little girl whose life was cut short while enjoying a bicycle ride with her father and brother.

The case has renewed public discussion about the dangers of driving while impaired by drugs or extreme fatigue. Road safety advocates continue to emphasize that both can significantly affect judgment, reaction time, and awareness, placing everyone on the road at risk.

For Ada’s loved ones, no court decision can erase their loss. They hope, however, that her story will encourage others to make responsible choices before getting behind the wheel and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Today, Ada Bicakci is remembered for the joy she brought to those around her and for a life that ended far too soon. Her memory continues to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and everyone touched by her story.