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 and attempting to kidnap two women two days apart in May 2021, according to Superior Court Justice James Stribopoulos. Diavion Henningham, then 22 years old, targeted lone women in public areas and deceived them into helping him before assaulting them when they refused his demands.

On May 21, 2021, Henningham approached a woman near the intersection of Hurontario Street and Eglinton Avenue in Mississauga while she was on her phone. He asked to borrow her phone, claiming technical issues, and after she agreed, he drove her to a shopping center, where she discovered he was taking her against her will. Henningham repeatedly struck her and eventually forced her to exit the moving vehicle. She was later rescued by a passerby.

Two days later, Henningham approached another woman near Finch Avenue West and Pearldale Avenue in North York. He again asked to use her cellphone, but when she declined, he grabbed her arm and attempted to pull her into his vehicle. The woman screamed and fought back, and when she managed to escape, Henningham was arrested the next day.

He pleaded guilty to both charges on September 26, 2025, admitting to his actions during the trial. Both victims continue to experience psychological trauma, with one describing constant fear and requiring therapy. Henningham had no prior criminal record and had been struggling with depression and heavy cannabis use since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating that kidnapping and attempted kidnapping demand severe sentences, especially given the vulnerability of the victims as women and children.