Sexual Predator Sentenced: Nigerian Student Jailed for 10 Years Over Leeds Bus Passenger Assault
A postgraduate student from Nigeria has received a 10-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting a teenage passenger following a disrupted bus journey in West Yorkshire.
Chiemka Okoronta, 29, was convicted at Bradford Crown Court for the March 25 attack that occurred after both he and the 17-year-old victim were left stranded when their night bus service unexpectedly terminated in Morley, Leeds. The victim, whose mobile phone had run out of battery, accepted Okoronta’s offer to share a taxi to Bradford.
Instead of heading to their stated destination, the taxi brought them to Okoronta’s flat. The court heard that he persuaded the teenager to enter his residence, where he proceeded to lock her in a toilet before carrying out the assault. Following the attack, the victim managed to escape and borrowed a phone from a passerby to alert authorities.
During sentencing, Judge Sophie McKone determined that Okoronta had deliberately planned the assault, stating, “I am satisfied that when you asked if she wanted to share your taxi to Bradford, you formulated a plan that would get her back to your flat where you could rape her.” The judge labeled him “a dangerous sexual predator.”
The victim’s impact statement revealed the devastating effects of the assault: “This incident has turned my life upside down. I have flashbacks of what happened to me, and I have nightmares.” She described experiencing sudden mood changes and social withdrawal, often confining herself to her room.
In addition to the prison term, Okoronta received a three-year extended license and must register as a sex offender for life. The court indicated he would likely face deportation to Nigeria after serving his sentence.
Detective Constable Sue Sutcliffe of Bradford District Safeguarding Unit praised the victim’s courage, noting that her immediate reporting enabled a swift investigation. “I hope today’s sentence can give her some comfort in knowing he won’t be able to hurt anyone else,” Sutcliffe stated, encouraging other sexual assault victims to come forward, assuring them of specialist support throughout the legal process.
The conviction represents a significant outcome for West Yorkshire Police’s efforts to combat sexual violence and protect vulnerable individuals in the community.
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