Police have issued a warning to anyone harbouring a drink-driving father who killed his baby daughter in a crash and fled before sentencing. Emmanuel Sakyi, 31, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving by a unanimous jury but failed to appear for his sentencing. He was jailed in absentia to 15 years for killing his seven-month-old daughter, Emmanuela.
Details of the crash
The crash occurred on Bletcham Way in Milton Keynes in December 2022. Sakyi drove his grey Peugeot 508 "for a considerable distance on the wrong side of the road" before colliding with an oncoming green Fiat 500. At the time, he was over twice the legal alcohol limit. His daughter Emmanuela was sitting on her mother's lap in the passenger seat, not secured in a car seat or appropriate restraint. She suffered serious injuries and later died in hospital.
Court proceedings and sentencing
Prosecutor Daren Samat stated that Sakyi did not secure his daughter as legally required, instead allowing her to be carried in the front seat by her mother. Sakyi did not appear at Aylesbury Crown Court for his trial and remains wanted by police. A 40-year-old woman from Milton Keynes was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has been released under investigation.
Police appeal
Detective Inspector Justin Thomas of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "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 are releasing the collision reconstruction footage and damage to Sakyi's car today to demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of the choices he made that day. Emmanuela's death was entirely preventable."
Mother's sentence
Emmanuela's mother, Ruth Oppong, 34, was sentenced to one year and nine months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, after being convicted of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving and causing unnecessary suffering or injury to a child.
Description of suspect
Sakyi is described as a black man with a medium build, black hair, brown eyes, and around 5ft 3inches tall. Police urge anyone who knows his whereabouts to call 999 immediately and not approach him. "We know there are people within the community who know where Sakyi is or have information that could help us find him," DI Thomas 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."
