Rapper Emmanuel Amankwah, aka Manu Crooks, charged with group sexual assault

A rising star rapper from Western Sydney is behind bars on remand after he was charged over his alleged involvement in a group sexual assault upon a sleeping woman.

Rapper Manu Crooks has been charged with aggravated sexual assault in company over an alleged incident in 2022. Picture: Facebook

A Western Sydney rapper described as a “leader of Australia’s flourishing rap scene” is facing historic allegations he participated in a gang rape against an intoxicated, sleeping woman.

Emmanuel Amankwah — known professionally as Manu Crooks — has been charged with aggravated sexual assault in company causing actual bodily harm over an alleged incident in Sydney’s inner suburbs in 2022.

Just weeks earlier he had hard launched his relationship with fellow high-profile Australian rapper Amarni, who supported him at Parramatta Bail Court on Thursday.

The 31-year-old cleanskin Lidcombe musician is now facing a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment if he is found guilty.

His solicitor Abdul Lazki sought his bail on Thursday, telling Magistrate Michael Stoddart the case had many weaknesses.

Rapper Manu Crooks. Picture: Facebook

“The complaint is made, first, almost two years after the fact, but more importantly, in circumstances where the complainant was highly intoxicated and there are references to a significant amount of drug use,” Mr Lazki told the court.

“A witness says they saw (my client) leave the bedroom — he instructs me that he was not actually in the bedroom during the time that the alleged incident took place.”

A police prosecutor said the complainant was “unable to consent” because she was asleep and intoxicated when the alleged assault occurred, and the incident left her bruised.

The court also heard one of three men who allegedly participated alongside Amankwah in the “joint criminal enterprise” had made “some admissions” to his involvement.

Mr Lazki did not dispute the woman was bruised, submitting it was an issue of whether Amankwah was at the specified location at all when it occurred.

“He has significant community ties, his partner is before the court, and the fact sheet makes reference to him being a musician and an online personality who is well known,” Mr Lazki said.

Amarni and Manu Crooks. Picture: Instagram

Sydney rapper Amarni. Picture: Supplied

“That would add to his vulnerability in custody given his presence and somewhat quasi-celebrity status.”

Mr Lazki also submitted that Amankwah has no criminal record and was facing significant time on remand ahead of a potential District Court trial.

However, Mr Stoddart was not persuaded Amankwah had shown cause why his detention was not justified and he refused his bail.

“With the penalties that apply, if he is convicted, there is no doubt a lengthy custodial sentence would be imposed by the court in my view,” Mr Stoddart said.

“This is a very serious offence, with serious (potential) results — taking all these matters into account, I’m not satisfied cause has been shown, given the seriousness.”

An Apple Music bio describes Manu Crooks as having “redefined Australian hip hop with his unique fusion of Atlanta trap and Australian rap”. He has previously opened for industry giants such as Stormzy and YG when they toured Australia.

Rapper Amarni and fellow Western Sydney rapper Manu Crooks. Picture: Instagram

His relationship with Sydney hip artist Amarni — who is known for viral earworms such as Beyonce, SXC and Mashallah — was confirmed on Instagram when the pair celebrated each other’s birthdays earlier this year.

Amankwah will remain in custody on remand before his next court date at Downing Centre Local Court on August 22.

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