A father who was driving while intoxicated and caused a fatal head-on collision that killed his seven-month-old daughter is now being sought by authorities after failing to appear for his trial and sentencing. Emmanuel Sakyi, 31, of Garraways, Milton Keynes, was convicted in his absence at Aylesbury Crown Court on June 29 for causing death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Crash details and alcohol level
On December 4, 2022, Sakyi was driving a grey Peugeot 508 when he collided head-on with a Fiat 500 on the road between Bond Avenue roundabout and Fenny Lock roundabout in Milton Keynes. He was more than two and a half times the legal alcohol limit for driving. His daughter, Emmanuela, aged seven months, was not properly secured in an appropriate child seat and died from her injuries sustained in the crash.
After the collision, Sakyi fled the scene on foot but was later arrested. However, he subsequently failed to attend his trial, leading to his conviction and sentencing in his absence. He is now a wanted man.
Mother also convicted
Emmanuela's mother, Ruth Oppong, aged 34, was also convicted following a trial at Aylesbury Crown Court. She was found guilty of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving and causing unnecessary suffering or injury to a child. She received a sentence of one year and nine months' imprisonment, suspended for two years.
Police appeal and arrest
Thames Valley Police have been actively searching for Sakyi. Earlier this week, a 40-year-old woman from Milton Keynes was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. She has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Justin Thomas, from the force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, appealed for public help. He stated: 'Nearly four years ago, seven-month-old Emmanuela lost her life because her father chose to drink drive. Emmanuel Sakyi should be behind bars. Instead, he remains at large.' He added: 'We have made an arrest and are continuing our enquiries to locate Sakyi, but we still need the public's help. Emmanuela's death was entirely preventable.'
Thomas urged anyone assisting Sakyi to consider the seriousness of the case. He said: 'I would urge anybody who is assisting him, harbouring him, or helping him evade justice to consider the seriousness of this case and do the right thing. Emmanuela lost her life and Sakyi has been sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. Our determination to locate him has not diminished.'
Description and how to help
Sakyi is described as a black man, around 5ft 3ins tall, of medium build, with black hair and brown eyes. Police advise anyone who sees him not to approach him but to call 999 immediately.
Anyone with information about Sakyi's whereabouts can contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or report online, quoting reference 20260622-2396. Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
