Sentencing for man charged with dangerous driving causing death delayed by legal aid dispute

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

The sentencing of a man who admitted dangerous driving causing the death of a father-of-three has been delayed due to the ongoing criminal legal aid dispute.

Abayomi Okanlawon (36), with an address at the Irish Bar and Hostel, Church Street, Co Carlow, appeared at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing.

Mr Okanlawon pleaded guilty that on October 24, 2025, on 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 his dangerous driving caused the death of Thomas Cuddihy.

Mr Cuddihy, a father-of-three from Co Kilkenny, died at the scene of the crash.

Counsel for the defendant previously said that his client is an asylum seeker with no previous convictions.

He added that Mr Okanlawon is “very apologetic” and is currently working in Ireland.

A Yoruba interpreter was present, as the defendant is from Nigeria.

Judge John Martin commented that the accused had conversed with him and questioned whether there was a need for an interpreter.

The court was told that, due to the ongoing legal aid dispute, the matter was adjourned to a further date.

It follows a dispute between criminal defence solicitors and the Government over proposed legal aid reforms introduced on July 1 by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.

Mr Okanlawon is due to appear before the court on October 6 to fix a date for sentencing.