Emmanuel Sakyi, 31, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of causing the death of his seven-month-old daughter in a drink-drive crash. He remains on the run after failing to appear for his trial at Aylesbury Crown Court.
Crash Details
The incident occurred on Bletcham Way in Milton Keynes in December 2022. Sakyi drove his grey Peugeot 508 on the wrong side of the road for a considerable distance before colliding with a green Fiat 500 driven by Shannon Willison. His daughter Emmanuela was sitting on her mother's lap in the passenger seat without a proper car seat or restraint, with a seatbelt across her stomach. She suffered serious injuries and later died in hospital.
Trial and Conviction
Sakyi was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. During the trial, prosecutor Daren Samat stated that Sakyi was driving while twice the legal alcohol limit and was "demonstrably far below" the standard of any reasonable motorist. The jury found him guilty unanimously after just over two and a half hours of deliberation. He was sentenced in absentia to 15 years' imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 18 years.
Flight and Police Appeal
Sakyi fled the scene after the crash and was later arrested outside his home. However, he failed to appear for his trial, and Thames Valley Police are now appealing for help locating him. He is described as a black man with a medium build, black hair, brown eyes, and around 5ft 3 inches tall. Detective Sergeant Ed Crofts said: "Enquiries have been ongoing to locate Emmanuel Sakyi, and we are now appealing for the public's help in locating him. This is a devastating case where a child's life has been lost. Our enquiries are focused on ensuring Sakyi faces the consequences of his actions."
Police advise the public not to approach Sakyi but to call 999 immediately. Anyone with information should call 101 or report online quoting reference 20260622-2396, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
