Telford man who went on the run in Europe after raping two women in Birmingham is jailed

A man who went on the run to Holland to escape justice after subjecting two women to a brutal rape in Birmingham has been jailed for 12 years.

Albert Okyere, from Telford, offered two drunk female friends a lift home from the Arcadian entertainment venue in Birmingham, on the evening of November 28, 2015. The friends got in the car with Okyere and he then drove them to a deserted industrial estate and subjected them to a sexual attack.

The women reported the rape the same night and he was arrested by West Mercia Police the following day. He was then transferred to the West Midlands force where he was questioned regarding three rapes and an assault by penetration. He was released on bail while investigations continued.

However, the next day, November 28, Okyere fled to the Netherlands. Police obtained a European Arrest Warrant and Okyere was brought back to the UK in 2021. His trial took place in December last year.

Okyere had pleaded not guilty to three rapes and an assault by penetration. He was sentenced to 12 years at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday and a further two years on licence. He will be on the sex offenders register for life.

What has West Midlands Police said about the case?

DC Verity Eades, from public protection, said:  “Okyere was a predatory rapist who preyed on these two vulnerable women subjecting them to both to a sickening sex attack. He showed more cowardly behaviour and went on the run abroad. Our officers worked hard to obtain a European Arrest Warrant and bring him back to face justice.

"We are delighted he is now serving his sentence and is behind bars where he is not a threat to women. I must praise the bravery of the women who reported these crimes and for giving evidence in court which convicted him. “