Introduction
Purple Aki, born Akinwale Oluwafolajimi Oluwatope Arobieke, is one of the most talked-about and controversial figures in North West England. His name has sparked fear, curiosity, and countless stories over the decades. For some, he is a criminal with a disturbing past; for others, he is a myth-like figure whose reputation has grown far beyond the reality of events. His life journey spans legal battles, public notoriety, and a unique place in British urban folklore.
The story of Purple Aki is complex because it sits at the intersection of fact and legend. From early brushes with the law to his portrayal in documentaries, his presence has fascinated both the media and the public. Whether viewed as a threat, a misunderstood man, or a product of sensationalism, Purple Aki’s legacy is undeniable.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Akinwale Oluwafolajimi Oluwatope Arobieke |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 15 July 1961 |
| Age | 64 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Crumpsall, Lancashire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | Nigerian descent |
| Occupation(s) | Former cleaner, messenger |
| Known For | Criminal convictions, urban legend status |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (approx.) |
| Build | Bodybuilder physique |
Early Life and Background
Purple Aki was born in Crumpsall, Lancashire, in 1961 to a Nigerian mother. His father’s identity has never been confirmed. At just six months old, he was placed into care and later spent part of his childhood in a Barnardo’s home in Llandudno, Wales. This early separation from family shaped much of his formative years.
His upbringing in care facilities exposed him to various challenges, and he eventually settled in Merseyside. Known for his large stature and bodybuilding interests, he stood out in the community. His early working life included jobs such as cleaning the Mersey Tunnels and working as a messenger for Liverpool City Council.
Rise to Notoriety
Purple Aki’s notoriety began in the 1980s when numerous reports emerged of him approaching young men, often athletes, asking to touch or measure their muscles. In some accounts, he requested they perform squats while he leaned on them. This strange pattern of behavior quickly gained public attention.
The media began covering these incidents, and stories spread rapidly through communities. His physical size, unusual requests, and persistence in approaching strangers turned him into a subject of both fear and fascination. This reputation only grew with later legal cases and public warnings.
The Manslaughter Case
In June 1986, Purple Aki was involved in one of the most infamous incidents of his life. Sixteen-year-old Gary Kelly died from electrocution at New Brighton railway station after reportedly fleeing from Aki. Initially convicted of involuntary manslaughter, Aki later had the conviction overturned on appeal. The court ruled that standing on the platform was not a criminal act, and he was awarded compensation citing racial bias in the prosecution.
This case solidified his image in the public’s mind, regardless of the overturned verdict. It became a key moment in his reputation as a feared figure in Merseyside.
Criminal Convictions and Legal Battles
In 2001, Aki faced multiple charges involving teenage boys, including harassment and threatening behavior. Although he was not convicted of sexual offences, he was sentenced to 30 months in prison for threatening behavior. In 2003, after his release, similar actions led to further convictions, including witness intimidation, resulting in a six-year sentence.
One of the most unusual aspects of his legal history was the Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) imposed in 2006. Despite no sexual offence conviction, the SOPO banned him from touching or measuring muscles, asking for squats, or loitering near gyms, sports clubs, and certain towns. This order became central to multiple later convictions for breaches.
Repeated Breaches of the SOPO
Over the years, Purple Aki was repeatedly convicted for violating the SOPO. Incidents included touching a man’s biceps in 2007, possessing a “stalker’s manual” of names and personal details in 2008, and touching a 16-year-old boy’s legs in 2010. Each breach resulted in additional prison time.
In 2015, he was again found guilty of breaching the order by touching a student’s muscles on a train. Despite his defense claiming he was targeted because of his reputation, the courts upheld the convictions.
Lifting of the SOPO and Later Life
In May 2016, a court lifted the SOPO, ruling that recent incidents did not demonstrate sexual motivation and caused no physical or psychological harm. This was seen as a turning point for Aki, who described it as a chance for a “clean slate.”
Since then, while his direct involvement in new criminal cases has reduced, his name continues to circulate in conversations, social media posts, and community stories. He remains a figure of both curiosity and controversy.
Media Portrayal and Public Image
In 2016, BBC Three aired a documentary titled The Man Who Squeezes Muscles: Searching for Purple Aki. The program explored his history and the myths surrounding him, but Aki accused it of racism and demonization, filing a police complaint.
His legend has also been referenced in local plays, online forums, and even comedy sketches. While some portray him as a dangerous figure, others see him as a misunderstood individual caught in a cycle of legal restrictions and public fear.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Purple Aki’s legacy is a rare mix of crime history and folklore. In Merseyside and beyond, his name is often used as a cautionary tale to scare young people. His story has sparked discussions about race, media bias, and how reputations—true or exaggerated—can shape a person’s life.
For law enforcement, his case highlighted the complexities of harassment laws and the use of preventive orders. For the public, it remains an example of how rumor and fact can intertwine, creating a lasting urban legend.
Conclusion
The life of Purple Aki is one of the most unusual and controversial in modern British criminal history. From his early years in care to a string of convictions and a reputation that transcends his actual crimes, Aki has become both a symbol of fear and a topic of fascination. His story raises important questions about justice, media influence, and the power of public perception.
Whether remembered as a menace, a misunderstood man, or an urban myth, Purple Aki’s name is firmly embedded in the cultural fabric of the North West of England.
FAQ
Q1: Who is Purple Aki?
Purple Aki is the nickname of Akinwale Oluwafolajimi Oluwatope Arobieke, a British man known for his criminal convictions and status as a local urban legend.
Q2: Why is he called Purple Aki?
The nickname is widely believed to come from his dark skin tone, though Aki himself has criticized the term as racist.
Q3: Was Purple Aki ever convicted of sexual offences?
No, despite the nature of some accusations, he has never been convicted of sexual offences.
Q4: What is he most known for?
He is known for approaching young men to touch or measure their muscles, leading to harassment convictions and a unique SOPO banning such contact.
Q5: Is Purple Aki still active in crime?
Since the lifting of his SOPO in 2016, there have been no major reported convictions, though his reputation remains strong in public memory.