Brampton man sentenced for kidnapping, attempted kidnapping 2 women 2 days apart

A Brampton man has been sentenced to 2½ years in prison for kidnapping one woman and attempting to kidnap another just two days later. Diavion Henningham, 27, pleaded guilty to both charges on September 26, 2025, shortly before his trial, after an unsuccessful attempt to delay the proceedings. The incidents occurred in May 2021. On May 21, Henningham approached a woman in Mississauga while she was walking near the intersection of Hurontario Street and Eglinton Avenue. She was on her phone when he asked to borrow it, claiming his own device was malfunctioning. She agreed, and while appearing to use it, he led her to a vehicle parked near a shopping plaza. He offered her a ride to Square One, and she accepted. When she realized he was driving away from her intended destination, she questioned him. Henningham claimed he needed to stop at a friend’s house. He still had her phone. When she tried to retrieve it, he pushed her away and struck her multiple times, including punching her in the face. She attempted to escape by opening the passenger door while the car was moving, but Henningham blocked her exit and hit her again. A passing motorist saw her struggling and called emergency services. After approximately 11 kilometers, Henningham stopped the vehicle, ordered her to get out, and drove away. The car was registered to Henningham’s stepfather. He was arrested the next day and admitted to giving her a ride, claiming she had assaulted him. He was released on an undertaking with conditions. Just two days later, on May 23, Henningham targeted another woman in a North York shopping plaza near Finch Avenue West and Pearldale Avenue. Again, he asked to use her phone, and she agreed. While pretending to make a call, he led her to a vehicle and asked if she wanted a ride home. She refused. Henningham grabbed her arm and tried to pull her into the car, demanding she get in. She resisted, fighting back. He punched her several times on her left side. A bystander called 911, and another person took a photo of the incident. Despite the intervention, Henningham managed to pull the woman into the vehicle headfirst. A passerby then helped her escape. Henningham was arrested on May 24 and released on bail with strict conditions. Both victims continue to experience psychological trauma from the attacks. In a victim impact statement, the first woman described her fear during the encounter and how it has changed her perception of the world, making it seem “more ugly.” The second woman shared similar concerns, though her statement was cut off in the available records. Justice James Stribopoulos noted that Henningham used deception to exploit the women’s willingness to assist him. He targeted individuals who were alone in public spaces and manipulated their trust. When they did not comply, he resorted to physical violence, putting them in fear for their lives. The court found that Henningham’s actions were premeditated and showed a pattern of dangerous behavior. His repeated attempts to abduct women within such a short time frame underscored the severity of the offenses. The judge emphasized that the victims’ ongoing psychological distress further justified the sentencing. Henningham’s legal team had previously sought a stay of proceedings, arguing that the charges were overly severe given the circumstances. However, this request was denied, leading to his plea deal. The sentencing reflects the court’s determination to hold individuals accountable for such violent and manipulative acts.