A convicted “dangerous sexual predator” who sexually assaulted a stranded teenage bus passenger is set to be deported to Nigeria after serving a 10-year prison sentence.
Chiemka Okoronta, 29, was the only other passenger on the bus late at night when the 17-year-old girl was informed by the driver that she needed to arrange for a taxi to return to her home in Bradford. Despite offering to split the fare, Okoronta deceived her and directed the driver to his student accommodation in Bradford, where he proceeded to rape her three times in a locked room.
Following his conviction on three counts of rape and sexual activity coercion, the judge labeled the incident as “prolonged.” Okoronta received a 10-year prison term with an additional three years on license, with the judge highlighting his high risk of causing harm to women.
The assault occurred after the victim’s bus journey ended in Leeds. Okoronta exploited her situation when her phone battery died, offering to share a taxi and then leading her to his residence where the assault took place. Fortunately, the victim managed to escape, reported the incident promptly, and Okoronta was arrested and charged.
In a statement read in court, the victim expressed the traumatic impact of the assault on her life, revealing ongoing emotional distress and fear. Detective Constable Sue Sutcliffe praised the victim for her courage in reporting the crime swiftly, which facilitated a prompt investigation.
Okoronta’s conviction included rape charges and coercing a woman into sexual activity. The judge condemned his predatory behavior and stated that upon release, he is expected to face deportation and lifelong registration as a sex offender.
