The sentencing of the driver involved in a crash that caused the death of a father-of-three in a Wicklow crash has been delayed for a second time due to the ongoing dispute over legal aid reforms.
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 to fix a date for sentencing, after pleading guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing death.
At a previous sitting, the accused pleaded guilty to driving dangerously on October 24, 2025, on the R725 at Rath East, Shillelagh, having regard to all the circumstances, including the speed, the condition of the vehicle and the road, and the level of traffic, and causing the death of Thomas Cuddihy.
Mr Cuddihy, a father-of-three 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.
His barrister previously stated that Mr Okanlawon is an asylum seeker with no previous convictions.
Defence counsel added that his client was “very apologetic” and was currently working in Ireland.
In late July, sentencing was adjourned to a further date due to the dispute between criminal defence solicitors and the Government over proposed legal aid reforms introduced on July 1 by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.
At the latest hearing, Judge Patrick Quinn adjourned sentencing until February 9, 2027.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme