A 29-year-old Nigerian postgraduate student, Chiemka Okoronta, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the United Kingdom for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl after offering to share a taxi with her in Leeds.
The court heard that the incident occurred after the teenager’s night bus ended its route unexpectedly, leaving her stranded with little money and a dead phone battery. Okoronta offered to help but later took advantage of her trust.
The victim managed to escape and alert the police, leading to Okoronta’s arrest and conviction. He will also serve an additional three years on extended licence after his release and remain on the sex offenders register for life. The court ordered that he be deported to Nigeria after completing his sentence.
In her statement to the court, the victim described the emotional impact of the incident, saying it had left her anxious in public spaces and fearful of travelling alone.
While delivering judgment, Judge Sophie McKone called Okoronta a “dangerous individual” who deliberately exploited a vulnerable person.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Sue Sutcliffe of West Yorkshire Police praised the victim’s bravery in reporting the crime and encouraged others facing similar situations to come forward so justice can be served.
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