Woman arrested on suspicion of aiding man on the run

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of assisting a father who was convicted of killing his own baby in a head-on crash.

Emmanuel Sakyi, 31, was twice the legal alcohol limit and on the wrong side of the road when the collision happened in Milton Keynes on 4 December 2022.

He remains wanted after failing to appear at Aylesbury Crown Court for his trial and sentencing.

Thames Valley Police said it arrested a 40-year-old woman from Milton Keynes on Thursday on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with efforts to locate Sakyi.

She has since been released under investigation while police inquiries continue.

Sakyi, of Garraways, Milton Keynes, was previously found guilty after a trial of causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced, in his absence, to 15 years in prison on 29 June.

According to police, he was driving his grey Peugeot 508 when it struck a green Fiat 500 between the Bond Avenue and Fenny Lock roundabouts.

His seven-month-old daughter, Emmanuela, who had been sitting on her mother's lap on the passenger seat, was seriously injured and died in hospital.

A post-mortem examination revealed she died from "blunt force abdominal trauma".

After the crash, Sakyi left the scene on foot before later being arrested by officers.

During his trial, jurors heard how Sakyi drove for a "considerable distance on the wrong side of the road".

He then failed to respond to the driver of the oncoming Fiat, who flashed her lights and sounded her horn in an attempt to avoid the crash.

Emmanuela's mother, Ruth Oppong, 34, was sentenced to one year and nine months' imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Following a trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, she was convicted of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving and causing unnecessary suffering or injury to a child, according to police.

Det Insp Justin Thomas asked for the public's help in locating Sakyi.

He said the force believed people in the community knew where he was or had information that could help officers.

"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," he said.

"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."

Sakyi is described as black, of medium build, with black hair and brown eyes, and is around 5ft 3in (1.6m) tall.

Members of the public who believe they have recognised Sakyi have been warned not to approach him, and instead call 999 immediately.

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