Predator Albert Okyere Receives 14-Year Extended Sentence for Vicious Sexual Assaults

A 'dangerous' predator, Albert Okyere, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, including an extended licence period, for committing rapes and a sexual assault after tricking two women into accepting a ride home after a night out at The Arcadian entertainment venue in Birmingham. The Dutch national, aged 36, carried out the brutal attacks in November 2015 but managed to flee to the Netherlands to evade justice.

Okyere, posing as a 'nice stranger,' offered the victims a lift before diverting to a dark industrial site, where he subjected them to a horrific sexual assault. His callous act of luring the victims away from their intended route home was described by Judge John Butterfield KC as a 'sneaky betrayal' and 'predatory behavior from the outset.'

Continuing his onslaught, Okyere raped one victim while her friend remained trapped inside the car. He later escaped to the Netherlands, attempting to avoid accountability. The fugitive was extradited to the UK, where he was finally sentenced on Thursday, February 1, at Birmingham Crown Court.

Judge Butterfield emphasized Okyere's lack of remorse and the predatory nature of the assaults, stating, "It was predatory behavior from the outset." The victims, heavily intoxicated that night, had accepted what they believed to be a safe ride home from Okyere, who turned out to be a dangerous offender.

The court heard that Okyere, an IT professional, had a prior conviction for voyeurism in 2013, involving watching women shower in a gym. Additionally, in 2016, he was convicted of battery for a violent attack on his former partner shortly after she gave birth.

The sentencing took into account Okyere's high degree of sexual preoccupation, sexual jealousy, and victim blaming. Yvonne Kramo, defending, argued that he did not abuse a position of trust, as he was not posing as a taxi driver.

Okyere, who wishes to return to the Netherlands, where he started a new relationship during his time as a fugitive, will be subject to deportation. His partner and ex-wife remain supportive of him. The extended sentence handed down by Judge Butterfield ensures Okyere serves at least two-thirds of his 12-year jail term and faces a two-year extended licence period upon release. He will also remain on the sex offenders register for life. The judge's decision reflects the severity of Okyere's crimes and the lasting impact on his victims.

Jason King

Birmingham City-Desk

JasonKingNews@gmail.com