Thames Valley Police have intensified a manhunt for Emmanuel Sakyi, a 31-year-old man convicted of causing the death of his seven-month-old daughter in a drink-driving incident. Sakyi failed to appear for his trial and sentencing at Aylesbury Crown Court and is now the subject of a renewed appeal for information.
Sakyi was convicted in his absence of causing death by dangerous driving and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. The conviction stems from a head-on collision on December 4, 2022, when Sakyi, driving on the wrong side of the road while more than two-and-a-half times over the legal alcohol limit, crashed his grey Peugeot 508 into a Fiat 500. His daughter, Emmanuela, who was not properly secured in a child seat, sustained fatal injuries.
Following the crash, Sakyi fled the scene on foot but was later apprehended by police. However, he subsequently disappeared before his trial and sentencing, leading to his conviction in absentia.
As part of the ongoing efforts to locate Sakyi, police recently arrested a 40-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender. She has since been released under investigation. Authorities have also released collision reconstruction footage and images of the damaged vehicles to highlight the severe consequences of dangerous and drink-driving.
Detective Inspector Justin Thomas stated, "Emmanuela's death was entirely preventable." He urged anyone assisting Sakyi to "do the right thing" and called upon the public for help in ensuring justice is served.
Sakyi is described as a Black man, medium build, with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall. Police are advising the public not to approach him if sighted, but to call 999 immediately. Information regarding his whereabouts can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers or directly to Thames Valley Police by calling 101, quoting reference 20260622-2396.
Emmanuela's mother, Ruth Oppong, 34, received a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving and causing unnecessary suffering or injury to a child.