Police have launched a manhunt for a father convicted over the death of his seven-month-old daughter in a drink-driving collision after he failed to attend both his trial and sentencing.
Officers are urging the public to help find Emmanuel Sakyi, 31, of Milton Keynes, who was found guilty in his absence of causing death by dangerous driving and handed a 15-year prison sentence.
The latest appeal follows the arrest of a 40-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender during the ongoing search for Sakyi. She has been released under investigation while police enquiries continue.
Sakyi vanished ahead of proceedings at Aylesbury Crown Court and remains at large.
The conviction stems from a crash on December 4, 2022, when Sakyi drove his grey Peugeot 508 along the wrong side of the road between Bond Avenue roundabout and Fenny Lock roundabout in Milton Keynes.
At the time, he was more than two-and-a-half times over the legal drink-drive limit before his vehicle struck a Fiat 500 head-on.
His seven-month-old daughter, Emmanuela, sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Prosecutors told the court that the baby had not been properly restrained in an appropriate child seat when the collision happened.
Emmanuel Sakyi, aged 31, of Garraways, Milton Keynes, remains wanted after failing to appear at Aylesbury Crown Court for his trial and sentencing
Sakyi was driving his grey Peugeot 508 on the wrong side of the road between Bond Avenue roundabout and Fenny Lock roundabout in Milton Keynes and was more than two-and-a-half times the legal drink-drive limit when his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a Fiat 500
After the crash, Sakyi fled the scene on foot before he was later arrested by police.
However, he failed to appear for his trial and sentencing, leading to his conviction in his absence and the launch of an ongoing manhunt.
As part of the renewed appeal, Thames Valley Police has released collision reconstruction footage and images of the crash in an effort to help locate him and highlight the consequences of dangerous and drink–driving.
Sakyi is described as a Black man of medium build with black hair and brown eyes. He is around 5ft 3in tall.
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.
‘We have made an arrest and are continuing our enquiries to locate Sakyi, but we still need the public’s help.
‘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.
‘Her mother, Ruth Oppong, aged 34, was sentenced to one year and nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, following a trial at Aylesbury Crown Court after being convicted of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving and causing unnecessary suffering or injury to a child.
‘We know there are people within the community who know where Sakyi is or have information that could help us find him.
‘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.
‘We hope those who knew Emmanuela, and those who have followed this case, will help us ensure that justice is served.
‘If you know where Sakyi is, or have any information which could assist our investigation, please contact Thames Valley Police.’
Anyone with information about Sakyi’s whereabouts should call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 20260622–2396.
If you see Sakyi, do not approach him and instead call 999 immediately.
Information can also be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
