A man described as a “dangerous sexual predator” who sexually assaulted a stranded teenage bus passenger is set to be sent back to Nigeria after serving a 10-year prison sentence.
Chiemka Okoronta, aged 29, was alone with the 17-year-old girl on the bus late at night when the driver informed her that she needed to take a taxi home to Bradford after the bus’s final stop in Morley, Leeds.
Instead of helping her get home, Okoronta misled the girl and directed the driver to his student accommodation in Bradford, where he raped her three times in a locked toilet. The judge called the incident a prolonged assault, leading to Okoronta’s conviction on three charges of rape and sexual misconduct.
During the trial, it was revealed that Okoronta posed a severe threat to women, prompting the judge to highlight the risk he posed. The assault occurred after the victim’s bus journey ended in Leeds on March 25th.
The prosecutor detailed how the victim, facing a dead phone battery, accepted Okoronta’s offer to share a taxi. However, once inside the taxi, he made inappropriate advances and diverted the ride to his residence, where he assaulted her in the bathroom.
The victim managed to escape and reported the crime immediately, leading to Okoronta’s arrest and subsequent conviction. The victim expressed the profound impact of the assault on her life, highlighting feelings of fear and distress.
Detective Constable Sue Sutcliffe praised the victim for her courage in coming forward promptly, which facilitated a swift investigation. Okoronta was ultimately convicted of three counts of rape and sexual misconduct against an adult woman.
In sentencing Okoronta, Judge Sophie McKone condemned his actions, emphasizing his deliberate deception and predatory behavior. She mandated Okoronta to register as a sex offender for life and indicated his likely deportation upon release from prison.