Man to be sentenced over fatal Wicklow crash that killed father-of-three
The Wicklow PeopleA man who admitted dangerous driving causing the death of a father-of-three in Wicklow is to be sentenced later this summer.
Abayomi Ikanlawon (36), with an address at the Irish Bar and Hostel, Church Street, Co Carlow, appeared at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court to fix a date for sentencing, after pleading guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing death, contrary to Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act.
At a previous sitting, the accused pleaded guilty that on October 24, 2025, at the R725 at Rath East, Shillelagh, he drove in a manner that was dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances, including the speed, the condition of the vehicle and the road, and the level of traffic, and that this dangerous driving caused the death of Thomas Cuddihy.
Mr Cuddihy, who was a father-of-three and from Co Kilkenny, died at the scene of the crash, which also left his wife injured.
The defendant was brought to St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny before being transferred to University Hospital Waterford for treatment for serious injuries.
Mr Ikanlawon is an asylum seeker with no previous convictions. His barrister at arraignment stated that he is “very apologetic” and is currently working in Ireland. A Yoruba interpreter was present, as the defendant is from Nigeria.
Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly, requested a date in July to suit the family of Mr Cuddihy.
He informed the court that the sentencing should take priority as it involves a fatality.
The court was told that members of Mr Cuddihy’s family will be present for the sentencing hearing.
Barrister for the accused, Sorcha Dianamh Ní Néill Fulham BL, stated that the defence had no objection to whatever date suited the prosecution.
Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin adjourned the matter until July 23 for sentencing.