A 29-year-old Nigerian postgraduate student, Chiemka Okoronta, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a 17-year-old girl in Leeds, United Kingdom.
The incident occurred on March 25 after the victim’s night bus terminated unexpectedly in Morley, near Bradford. Stranded with no working phone and little money, the teenager accepted Okoronta’s offer to share a taxi. Instead, he directed the driver to his flat, where he trapped and assaulted her.
The victim managed to escape and sought help from a passer-by, who assisted her in contacting the police. At Bradford Crown Court, Okoronta was found guilty on multiple counts and handed an additional three-year extended licence, with his name placed permanently on the sex offenders register.
Judge Sophie McKone described Okoronta as a “dangerous predator” who took advantage of a vulnerable teenager. The court also ordered that he be deported to Nigeria after completing his sentence.
In a statement, the victim said the ordeal left her traumatised and fearful of public spaces. “It turned my life upside down. I have flashbacks and nightmares. I can’t take a bus without feeling uncomfortable,” she said.
Detective Constable Sue Sutcliffe of West Yorkshire Police praised the victim’s courage in coming forward. “Her bravery ensured a dangerous man has been brought to justice,” she added.
