Emmanuel Sakyi, a 31-year-old drink-driver who killed his seven-month-old daughter Emmanuela in a head-on crash while more than two-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit, has been sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison but remains on the run. He failed to appear at Aylesbury Crown Court for his trial and sentencing on June 29, 2026, prompting Thames Valley Police to issue a fresh public appeal for information to track him down.
Fatal Crash Details
The fatal collision occurred on December 4, 2022, in Milton Keynes. Sakyi was driving his grey Peugeot 508 on the wrong side of the road between Bond Avenue roundabout and Fenny Lock roundabout when his vehicle crashed head-on into a Fiat 500. At the time, he was more than two-and-a-half times the legal drink-drive limit. His daughter, Emmanuela, was not properly secured in a child seat and died as a result of the crash.
Sakyi fled the scene immediately after the collision but was arrested shortly afterward. However, he failed to appear at his sentencing hearing last week and is now the subject of a manhunt.
Police Appeal and Arrest
Thames Valley Police have released collision reconstruction footage and images of the damage to Sakyi's car to highlight the catastrophic consequences of his actions. 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."
A 40-year-old woman from Milton Keynes has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with efforts to locate Sakyi. Police have urged anyone harbouring or helping Sakyi to consider the seriousness of the case and do the right thing.
Description of the Fugitive
Sakyi is described as a black man of medium build, with black hair and brown eyes, and is approximately 5ft 3ins tall. Officers are urging anyone who sees him not to approach him but to call 999 immediately. They also ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 101 or report online, quoting reference 20260622-2396. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Mother's Sentence
Emmanuela's mother, 34-year-old Ruth Oppong, was previously 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. She was also from Milton Keynes.
Police Determination
Detective Inspector Thomas added: "We know there are people within the community who know where Sakyi is or have information that could help us find him. Emmanuela lost her life and Sakyi has been sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. Our determination to locate him has not diminished. We hope those who knew Emmanuela, and those who have followed this case, will help us ensure that justice is served."
