A woman has been detained on suspicion of aiding a man convicted of causing the death of his infant daughter in a drunken driving incident, police said.

Emmanuel Sakyi, 31, was found guilty last month by a unanimous jury at Aylesbury Crown Court of causing death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in absentia after failing to appear at his trial and remains wanted by authorities.

A 40-year-old woman from Milton Keynes was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of assisting an offender, according to Thames Valley Police. She has since been released under investigation as inquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Justin Thomas of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit emphasized the gravity of the incident. “Nearly four years ago, seven-month-old Emmanuela lost her life because her father chose to drink drive,” he said. “Emmanuel Sakyi should be behind bars. Instead, he remains at large.”

Sakyi’s trial revealed that he was driving under the influence at more than twice the legal alcohol limit when he collided head-on with another vehicle on Bletcham Way in Milton Keynes in December 2022. Following the crash, he fled the scene. His daughter Emmanuela, who was reportedly in her mother’s arms in the passenger seat, sustained severe injuries and later died in hospital.

The court heard that Sakyi’s driving fell “demonstrably far below” the standard expected of any reasonable motorist. Police continue to seek his whereabouts while investigating potential assistance from others in evading capture.