Bar attendant get 15 years for robbery

An Accra Circuit Court on Thursday sentenced one Collins Ocran Amellengor, a bar attendant to 15 years imprisonment in hard labour for robbery.

Collins conspired with two others, now at large, Joshua Maclean now deceased to rob one Richard Fordjour of his mobile phone and a wallet containing a Voters Identify Card, ECG prepaid recharge card and an amount of GHC80.00.

Collins pleaded not guilty to both charges but after full trial the Court presided over by Mr Aboagye Tanoh found him not guilty on the charge of conspiracy but guilty on the charge of robbery.

The Court in sentencing him said it took into consideration the convicts plea for mercy and the fact that he was a first time offender.

Mr Aboagye Tandoh said his sentence should serve as a deterrent to other young men that it is not right to rob as a livelihood.

Prosecuting Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ernest Acheampong told the Court that the complainant, Richard is self-employed and lives at CFC Estate, Dome, while Collins is a bar attendant and also resides at Dome Crossing.

He said on April 5, at about 2100 hours the complainant was on his way home from St John’s bus stop and on reaching a portion of the road within the CFC Estate, the accused who was with his accomplices surrounded him.

DSP Acheampong said the convict confronted and demanded money from the complainant and forcibly removed the complainant’s wallet which was containing the above listed items and with this, they took to their heels.

He said the complainant shouted for help as the convict and his accomplices run towards the Estates main gate and were given a hot chase by some people and the security men at the Estate gate.

DSP Acheampong told the Court that Collins and his accomplices jumped into the main Nsawam Accra Highway to cross to the other side without observing traffic, in the process, Joshua was knocked down by a vehicle killing him instantly.

He said the convict was later arrested by a Good Samaritan whiles the two others managed to escape.

During investigations, Collins did not disclose the identity of the two others and also did not lead police to their places of abode.