Manhunt is launched for father, 31, who 'killed his daughter in crash while drink driving' after he failed to show up at court

Published: 21:53, 5 July 2026 | Updated: 21:53, 5 July 2026 A manhunt has been launched for a father convicted of causing the death of his seven–month–old daughter in a drink–driving crash after he failed to appear for his trial and sentencing. Police are appealing for information to trace Emmanuel Sakyi, 31, from Milton Keynes, who was convicted in his absence of causing death by dangerous driving and jailed for 15 years. The renewed appeal comes after officers arrested a 40–year–old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender as part of efforts to locate Sakyi. She has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue. Sakyi disappeared before proceedings at Aylesbury Crown Court and remains on the run. The case relates to a crash on December 4, 2022, when Sakyi drove his grey Peugeot 508 on the wrong side of the road between Bond Avenue roundabout and Fenny Lock roundabout in Milton Keynes. He was more than two–and–a–half times the legal drink–drive limit when his car collided head–on with a Fiat 500. His daughter, Emmanuela, who was just seven months old, suffered fatal injuries. Prosecutors said she was not properly secured in a suitable child seat at the time of the collision. 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. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.