Key Points
- A driver is set to face trial after pleading not guilty to causing the death of an 85-year-old man following a four-vehicle crash on the A415 near Abingdon.
- The victim, Edward Lamb, was a passenger in a silver Ford Focus involved in the collision.
- The crash occurred at around 3.30pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, close to Abingdon Town Football Club.
- A silver VW Golf initially hit a blue Ford C-Max, which then collided with the Ford Focus carrying Mr Lamb.
- The VW Golf then continued and struck a black VW Polo.
- Mr Lamb was taken to hospital but died six days later from his injuries.
- The driver of the VW Golf, Olawale Olaleye, 41, of Jackman Close, Abingdon, appeared at Oxford Crown Court.
- Olaleye is charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving while uninsured.
- He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
- A trial date has been set for December 6 next year.
- Mr Lamb’s family paid tribute to him, describing him as a “very proud” father, grandfather and great-grandfather who “loved life”.
- Several other people were injured in the collision, though most suffered minor injuries.
- Thames Valley Police confirmed that a detective constable is leading the investigation.
- The case is expected to proceed in line with typical court timetables for non-custody defendants.
Abingdon (Oxford Daily News), January 30, 2026 – A motorist is due to stand trial after pleading not guilty to causing the death of an 85-year-old man who died following a four-vehicle collision on the A415 near Abingdon Town Football Club.
The case was heard at Oxford Crown Court, where Olawale Olaleye, aged 41 and of Jackman Close, Abingdon, appeared in connection with the crash that occurred on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at around 3.30pm.
According to reporting by Oxford Mail, Edward Lamb, who was a passenger in a silver Ford Focus, was seriously injured in the collision and later died in hospital six days after the crash.
What Happened in the A415 Four-Vehicle Crash Near Abingdon?
As reported by Oxford Mail, the collision involved four vehicles and unfolded in a sequence of impacts on the A415 close to Abingdon Town Football Club.
Court details outlined that a silver VW Golf, driven by Olawale Olaleye, initially collided with a blue Ford C-Max. That impact then caused the Ford C-Max to strike the silver Ford Focus in which Edward Lamb was travelling as a passenger.
The silver VW Golf continued after the initial collisions and went on to strike a black VW Polo.
This chain-reaction crash led to multiple injuries and ultimately resulted in the death of Mr Lamb.
Who Was Edward Lamb and What Did His Family Say?
Edward Lamb, aged 85, was described by his family as a much-loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
As reported by BBC News and previously covered by Oxford Mail, Mr Lamb was a retired lorry driver and a keen angler who fished three times a week.
In a family tribute released after his death, his relatives said:
“Edward was a very proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Edward, 85, a retired lorry driver, loved life, he was still very active, a keen angler, fishing three times a week. He had time to talk and have laughs with anyone.”
The family added:
“Edward will be sadly missed by all his family, friends and everyone that knew him. We would like to thank all the emergency services that helped Edward at the scene of the crash and in the last few days of his life.”
These statements were previously reported by BBC News and ITV Meridian, which both covered the family’s tribute following Mr Lamb’s death.
Who Is the Defendant and What Charges Does He Face?
The driver of the silver VW Golf, Olawale Olaleye, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, January 29.
According to Oxford Mail court reporting, the 41-year-old is charged with:
- Causing death by dangerous driving
- Causing death by driving while uninsured
Olaleye pleaded not guilty to both charges during his court appearance.
When Will the Trial Take Place?
The court heard that a trial date has been set for December 6 next year.
Legal reporting by Oxford Mail noted that it is not unusual for trials of this nature to be scheduled well into the following year, particularly where the defendant is not in custody.
Court sources explained that trials involving defendants in custody are prioritised due to custody time limits, which usually last for six months. As Olaleye is not currently in custody, the case has been listed for a later date.
What Injuries Did Other People Sustain in the Crash?
Several other people were injured in the four-vehicle collision, although most sustained minor injuries.
According to Oxford Mail:
- The driver of the silver Ford Focus, a 60-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and was treated at hospital.
- Olawale Olaleye, the driver of the VW Golf, was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington with minor injuries.
- The driver of the black VW Polo, a 67-year-old woman, suffered a fractured wrist and was taken to hospital.
- The two occupants of the blue Ford C-Max, a 36-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl, suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.
These details were confirmed through court reporting and police updates carried by Oxford Mail.
What Did Police Say After the Collision?
Following the crash, Thames Valley Police issued a statement through the investigating officer.
As reported by Oxford Mail, Detective Constable Darren Baker said:
“My thoughts are with the family of the passenger of the silver Ford Focus, an 85-year-old man, who sadly has died as a result of this collision.”
Police confirmed that a full investigation was launched into the circumstances of the collision, including forensic examination of the vehicles and the scene.
How Did Emergency Services Respond at the Scene?
Emergency services attended the scene of the crash on the afternoon of May 22, 2024.
Ambulance crews, police officers and other responders worked to assist those injured and to manage traffic on the A415 near Abingdon Town Football Club.
Mr Lamb was taken to hospital following the crash, where he remained for six days before dying from his injuries.
His family later publicly thanked the emergency services for their support at the scene and during Mr Lamb’s final days, as reported by BBC News and ITV Meridian.
What Is the Legal Context for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving?
Causing death by dangerous driving is one of the most serious motoring offences in UK law. It can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and severity of the driving behaviour involved.
The separate charge of causing death by driving while uninsured is also a serious offence, reflecting the legal requirement for all drivers to hold valid insurance.
Legal experts note that courts consider a wide range of factors in such cases, including the manner of driving, the driver’s history, and the circumstances leading up to the collision.
How Common Are Delays in Serious Motoring Trials?
Court reporting indicates that delays in serious motoring cases are not unusual.
As noted in Oxford Mail’s coverage, trials involving defendants who are not in custody are often scheduled many months in advance due to court backlogs and the prioritisation of custody cases.
Custody time limits mean that defendants held in prison awaiting trial must usually be tried within six months, giving those cases priority in court listings.
In contrast, defendants who are on bail, as in this case, may face longer waits before their trial begins.
How Has the Case Been Covered by Local and National Media?
The case has been primarily reported by Oxford Mail, with additional background coverage by BBC News and ITV Meridian focusing on the family’s tribute to Edward Lamb.
BBC News highlighted Mr Lamb’s life as a retired lorry driver and keen angler, while ITV Meridian reported on the family’s statements and police appeals for information following the crash.
These outlets have provided broader community context to the court proceedings now under way.
What Happens Next for the Family and the Legal Process?
For Mr. Lamb’s family, the court process marks the next stage in seeking accountability following his death.
The trial, scheduled for December 6 next year, will hear evidence from the prosecution and defence, including expert collision analysis, witness testimony and any relevant medical evidence.
Until then, Olawale Olaleye remains presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.
Police and prosecutors have not indicated whether any additional charges or developments are expected before the trial date.
