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Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Parents of a nine-year-old girl killed by a bus driver who was on drugs relive terrible moment she died in their hands
The parents of a nine-year-old girl killed by a bus driver who was high on drugs have relived the terrible moment she died in their hands. Nevgül and Bora Bicakci said their grief is still 'immense' almost 12 months on from the tragic death of their daughter Ada Bicakci. She died after she was hit by a double-decker bus on Watling Street in Bexleyheath, southeast London, at 9am on Saturday, August 3 last year. The driver, Martin Asolo-Agogua, was jailed for four years earlier this month after admitting causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs. He fell asleep and failed a drug test at the scene because he had taken cannabis the night before. Asolo-Agogua, 23, had only been driving TfL buses for less than a year but his short spell behind the wheel had already racked up numerous complaints - including occasions when he damaged the bus by hitting stationary vehicles or bus stops. He was driving the bus 'erratically' from the bus garage to the start of its route, prosecutor Charlotte Hole told a prior hearing. One driver in a car behind said the bus was unnecessarily swerving onto the opposite side of the road, whilst another driver said Asolo-Agogua's driving caused him to blurt out 'what is he doing'. Footage from inside the bus showed him yawning, his eyes closing, his head nodding, and the bus swerving onto the pavement. Ada had been cycling on the pavement on her way to her 'much loved' gymnastics class, alongside her five-year-old brother, who was on a scooter, and her dad who was also on a bike. Almost a year later, the horrific moment of the crash is still seared into Bora's mind. He said: 'The sound of the tyres hitting the curb. Looking back and seeing Ada's body bouncing between the bus and the wall. 'Holding her in my lap. Her broken lungs struggling for every breath. Her eyes fading. Her brother behind me, shocked by fear. 'The bus drifting away. People stopping by to help. Sam stepping in. Hope and then sadness.' Ada, a Turkish and British national, was rushed to hospital where she died two days later. Nevgül described her daughter as a beautiful child with a kind heart - just weeks before she was killed she donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust saying 'everyone should have hair'. She said: 'I lost my angel. My Smile. Flutter of my heart. My closest friend. The most beautiful days of my life are the mother and daughter days I spent with Ada.' A court heard that Asolo-Agogua got his driving licence in January 2023 and became a bus driver a year later. He was briefly suspended following an incident in May when he stopped too abruptly, causing a child passenger to fall on the floor. However, he was given 'the benefit of the doubt' and his suspension was lifted a short time later. After being convicted for the death by dangerous driving offence, Asolo-Agogua was also disqualified from driving for seven years. Bora said: 'The images of that horrific moment remain seared into my mind. That scene replays endlessly, a constant reminder of the day my world fractured beyond repair. 'This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled. 'My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten. 'We will make this story one of love and thanks that we owe everybody. Your presence, and passing, will leave a mark in this country and we will fight to make drug driving a part of its history.' Mr and Mrs Bicakci said while the driver's criminal case is behind them, they believe that the sentence is 'unduly lenient'. They say they now want to turn the tragedy into a 'meaningful' change. The family plans to launch a campaign in order to honour Ada's name but to also 'fight a safer future' for pedestrians on the road. They said: 'This senseless act, rooted in driver negligence and systemic failures, ignited our unyielding fight to ensure a safer future for all. 'Beyond honouring Ada's name, we intend to pursue meaningful change from TfL and the government as well as our community to ensure a safer future for all. 'Our voice resonates with other victims as well as other bus drivers who want to avoid similar future pain.' In a statement previously read by Bora in court, he called for a systemic change to stop further road deaths. Bora said: 'We seek not just justice for our daughter but a safer future for everyone.' He said knowing that similar incidents lie around the corner causes him as much pain as losing his daughter. 'We hope road death becomes history,' he added. Following her death, Ada's organs were donated to help six other children which was a 'testament to her giving spirit', the parents added. They said: 'We were deeply honoured to receive an Order of St John's Award recognising Ada's organ donation. 'Brake, Roadpeace and the Sarah Hope Line are also supporting us as we move forward.' Reflecting on the past year, the family have thanked the individuals who have been 'holding them together' during their 'darkest hours'. They said: 'The police, LFB, London Air Ambulance and the NHS provided compassionate care. 'Our community, all the schools Ada has attended and our family circles have been an incredible scaffold of love as well as financial support for us. 'We thank all members of the press, with special thanks to our local News Shopper journalists and their team for their unwavering attention and support, helping us feel heard. 'We now invite all media and community organisations to amplify our call. Follow Ada's Heartbeat.' The family plans to hold an event at the scene of where Ada was killed, marking the year of the fatal incident. They said: 'We want to meet everyone. We are preparing to share further facts about the larger picture and visuals from the incident itself to share on August 3, 2025. 'We're still trying to obtain permission to meet at the place where the incident happened, however, this is not certain. But we will hold an event update everyone through our social media pages once we hear back.' Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was launched to provide support to the police and ambulance service who had helped the nine-year-old, with more than £18,000 accumulated in donations. After the sentencing of Asolo-Agogua, Detective Sergeant Sam Miles, who led the investigation, said: 'He will have to spend the rest of his life regretting the night he chose to stay awake before getting behind the wheel of a bus with cannabis in his system. 'It's a night that has cost him his freedom and snatched away the life of an innocent little girl. 'Ada had her whole life ahead of her.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I tried PizzaExpress' new summer menu in Bexleyheath - I found the best new pizza
I tried PizzaExpress' new summer menu at the Bexleyheath branch – and found the best pizza I've ever eaten. PizzaExpress has always been my go-to spot for a relaxed meal out. As someone who eats gluten-free, I've found they cater brilliantly without sacrificing taste or options. So when I heard about their new summer menu, I couldn't wait to give it a try. Gluten-free diner finds spicy perfection in PizzaExpress' Calabrian Feast (Image: Holly Brencher) We started with the new Buffalo Chicken Wings and Buttermilk Chicken Strips. The wings were coated in Sauce Shop's Buffalo Hot Sauce and served with a creamy blue cheese dip. They were messy in the best way – tangy, spicy and completely addictive. Buffalo wings and buttermilk strips kick off PizzaExpress summer feast (Image: Holly Brencher) The buttermilk strips were perfectly golden and crispy, great for dipping and sharing. Both dishes felt fresh, packed with flavour and ideal for kicking things off. For drinks, we tried the new Soho Spritz. It was fruity and refreshing without being too sweet – ideal for summer. And with their current deal of two for £12, it felt like a bargain. Then it was time for the pizzas. Four Seasons Speciale offers a flavourful twist on a classic favourite (Image: Holly Brencher) I started with the Four Seasons Speciale – a modern rework of their iconic 1965 pizza. I ordered it on a gluten-free base, and as always, it was crisp and light without falling apart. Each quarter of the pizza had a different topping, which made it ideal for someone indecisive like me. One part had pepperoni and Calabrese sausage, bringing heat and richness. Another was topped with baby plum tomatoes and basil pesto, fresh and herby. There was also a quarter with mushrooms and truffle oil, which felt indulgent and earthy. And the last section – salty anchovies, olives and capers – packed a real flavour punch. It's a pizza that truly has something for everyone. But then came the real star of the meal – the Calabrian Feast. Calabrian Feast crowned standout dish in new PizzaExpress lineup (Image: Holly Brencher) This was honestly the best pizza I've ever eaten. It was loaded with 'nduja, Calabrese sausage, pepperoni and crispy pancetta. On top of that were two types of mozzarella, Gran Milano cheese and an extra chilli kick. The finishing touch was a drizzle of hot honey, which balanced the heat beautifully. Every bite was packed with bold, spicy flavour and rich, creamy cheese. It was indulgent, fiery and unforgettable. Now, I didn't try it myself, but PizzaExpress has found a bold new way to tackle the pineapple-on-pizza debate. Instead of serving it on pizza, they've created Hawaiian Hot Dough Balls. Tossed in garlic butter, topped with pancetta and pineapple, and drizzled with Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce, they're certainly a talking point. According to new research from the brand, the UK is split 50/50 on pineapple on pizza. But more than half of people say they'd try these new Dough Balls, which just might be the middle ground we've all been waiting for. For dessert, we had the Birthday Cake Sundae. It was sweet, playful and totally satisfying. Birthday Cake Sundae ends the meal on a sweet, festive note (Image: Holly Brencher) Layers of vanilla gelato, raspberry coulis, whipped cream and sprinkles made it feel like a celebration. It even had a mini sponge cake and a topping of Joe & Seph's Birthday Cake Popcorn. A proper party in a glass. PizzaExpress has nailed it with this summer menu. They've kept their classics while bringing in bold new flavours and playful twists. Whether you're a spice lover, a sweet tooth or someone who wants variety, there's something here for you. And for gluten-free diners like me, it's one of the few places where you feel totally looked after. The Calabrian Feast alone is worth the visit. This menu is a summer treat that genuinely delivers.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The south east London dads who deserve a mention this Father's Day
From heart-wrenching tributes to viral fame and record-breaking feats, this Father's Day we're looking back at the inspiring, emotional, and often uplifting stories of the incredible dads we've spoken to over the past year. Each of them, in their own way, shows the strength, love, and dedication that defines fatherhood. TikTok stardom for Dartford dad and daughter duo From tragedy to joy, Dartford dad Jed Storey and his daughter Chloe have been lighting up screens on TikTok with their heartwarming and hilarious videos. The duo's account, @dadandcloshow, has gained nearly 200,000 followers thanks to their brilliant bond and fun content. Jed told us: 'We never expected it to take off so quickly… it's been an amazing way to connect.' Jed and Chloe Storey (Image: Jed Storey/@dadandcloshow) A chicken-shaped walk for a local legend In one of our quirkiest stories, Stephen Sangster, a dad from Orpington, walked over 11km in the shape of a chicken to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Orpington Buff breed. 'It was an eggs-ercise in both fitness and creativity,' he joked, proving that even poultry-themed passion projects can be powered by pride, community, and a sense of humour. Stephen Sangster completed the walk in two hours (Image: Stephen Sangster) A father's grief turned into a call for change One of the most emotional stories came from Bora Bicakcim, the father of nine-year-old Ada, who tragically died after being hit by a bus in Bexleyheath. In the face of unimaginable pain, Bora shared his heartbreak with the News Shopper, describing the moment his world 'fractured beyond repair'. He told us: 'This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure… We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten.' Bora has since turned his grief into purpose, vowing to fight for change and raise awareness about the dangers of drug-driving. We think of Bora on his first Father's Day without Ada. Ada Bicakci was just nine-years-old when she was killed (Image: Family of Ada Bicacki) Beckenham dad goes the distance for a friend's daughter When Sam Wheeler from Beckenham heard his friend's daughter had been diagnosed with leukaemia, he didn't hesitate. The devoted dad will cycle more than 400km to Cornwall this August to raise money for Momentum Children's Charity – the same charity that's been supporting little Isla and her family since her diagnosis. Sam said the diagnosis came just a day after Isla had been at his house. Now, he's turning heartbreak into action. Sam is raising funds for Momentum Children's Charity (Image: Sam Wheeler) 500 miles across London – on foot Dave Thomas, a 64-year-old dad and retired NHS worker, took on a monumental challenge – running the entire London transport network. That's 12 Tube lines, the Overground, trams, DLR, and even the cable car – clocking up nearly 500 miles in just four months. Armed with selfies from every station and support from TfL, Dave is now waiting to hear if Guinness World Records will confirm his achievement. Dave Thomas (Image: SWNS) 35 years of community cuts and connections And finally, a special mention goes to Graham Norman, who has run The Crop Shop in Erith for 35 years with his wife Sharon and their five children. More than just a barber, Graham has been part of the local fabric since 1990 – cutting hair, making friends, and raising a family while keeping Erith looking sharp. Graham said: 'It's not just a barbers – it's part of the community. We've had generations of families come through the door.' The Crop Shop (Image: The Crop Shop) Happy Father's Day from all of us at the News Shopper.
BBC News
10-06-2025
- BBC News
Drug-driving bus driver jailed for killing nine-year-old cyclist
A bus driver who killed a nine-year-old girl riding her bike on the pavement having fallen asleep at the wheel with drugs in his system has been jailed for four Bicakci died in hospital in August last year, two days after the collision in Bexleyheath, south-east London, which left her with "catastrophic injuries".Martin Asolo-Ogugua, 23, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, having pleaded guilty in April to causing Ada's death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through of Southwark, south-east London, failed a drug test at the scene, having taken cannabis the night before. CCTV showed Asolo-Ogugua driving the bus with Ada on a footpath before he defendant fell bus drifted across the carriageway and into the path of the girl and her father, Bora Bicakci, said his world was "fractured beyond repair"."This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled."My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten."Senior Crown Prosecutor Miranda Jollie called Asolo-Ogugua "reckless and utterly selfish".Ada, a Turkish-British national, lived in Bexleyheath with her family and was a keen gymnast and attended a local primary school where she was described as a "popular and happy pupil".Her organs were donated and she went on to help six other people after her death, her family said was also disqualified from driving for seven years.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- The Sun
Bus driver who killed girl, 9, after smashing into her while high on drugs is jailed as father pays touching tribute
A BUS driver who knocked down and killed a nine-year-old girl when he fell asleep after taking drugs has been jailed for four years. Martin Asolo-Agogua, 23, had been up all night at a social event when he struck Ada Bicakci with the double decker in Bexleyheath, South East London. 3 3 3 Emergency services arrived at the scene on Watling Street at 9.03am on August 3 last year. Despite their best efforts, the youngster tragically couldn't be saved and died two days later. Ada, a Turkish and British national, was a 'keen' gymnast and swimmer, according to tributes. Her five-year-old brother was also taken to hospital following the crash. Officers drug-tested Asolo-Ogugua at the scene, which he failed. The Met Police arrested him on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and drug-driving. Asolo-Ogugua was today sentenced at Woolwith Crown Court for causing the nine-year-old's death. The court heard he fell asleep at the wheel, after having taken cannabis the night before. He mounted the opposite pavement as Ada was riding her bike with her family. Detectives from the Met's Roads and Transport team later trawled through CCTV evidence that revealed Asolo-Oguguathe first drove the bus out of the depot at around 8.45am. They were able to capture the exact moment he fell asleep, and saw the bus swerve cross the carriageway. Asolo-Oguguathe was charged in February earlier this year with causing death by dangerous driving while under influence of drugs as well as driving while over the drug limit. He admitted both offences at Woolwich Crown Court in April. Asolo-Ogugua, of Banfield Road, Southwark, was today jailed for four years. The 23-year-old has also been disqualified from driving for seven years. 'PILLARS OF STRENGTH' Detective Sergeant Sam Miles, who led the investigation, said: 'Asolo-Ogugua will have to spend the rest of his life regretting the night he chose to stay awake before getting behind the wheel of a bus with cannabis in his system. 'It's a night that has cost him his freedom and snatched away the life of an innocent little girl. 'Ada had her whole life ahead of her. 'She lived in the area and attended a local primary school where she was a popular and happy pupil. 'In a remarkable show of courage and humility, Ada's family chose to take her life forward to help others by donating her organs. 'I can only hope today's sentence brings some closure for Ada's family who have remained a pillar of strength throughout these proceedings.' FAMILY HEARTBREAK Ada's organs were donated and she went on to help six other people following her tragic death, her family said. They also previously shared two pictures of their daughter, including one that shows her having had her hair cut for donation. The nine-year-old was a Turkish-British national that lived in Bexleyheath with her family and attended a local primary school. In a heartwrenching statement shared by the Met Police, Ada's father, Bora, said: "The images of that horrific moment remain seared into my mind. That scene replays endlessly, a constant reminder of the day my world fractured beyond repair. "This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled. "My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten. "We will make this story one of love and thanks that we owe everybody. Your presence, and passing, will leave a mark in this country and we will fight to make drug driving a part of its history." 'RECKLESS AND UTTERLY SELFISH' Senior Crown Prosecutor, Miranda Jollie, of the Crown Prosecution Service, added: 'Asolo-Ogugua was reckless and utterly selfish to get behind the wheel of a bus after consuming drugs and put many lives at risk that day. 'His actions have robbed a young girl of her entire life. Our thoughts remain with Ada's family and friends as they try to come to terms with their unimaginable loss "I hope his sentence today can help to bring some closure for Ada's family and highlight the devastating consequences of drug driving.'
