Court jails trader for defilement and causing harm

Michael Lankwei Odartey, a trader, was on Tuesday sentenced to eight years imprisonment by an Accra Circuit Court on charges of defilement and causing harm to a 14-year-girl at Teshie, in Accra.

Odartey, 18, pleaded guilty and the court presided over by Ms. Sedina Agbemava sentenced him to seven years on the charge of defilement and a year’s imprisonment for causing harm.

Detective Inspector Kofi Atimbire told the court that the complainant was the victim’s father, who lives with her uncle at Teshie while the convict also resides in the same area.

On May 2 this year, the victim went out with her friends to the beach and on her return; Odartey took advantage of her drunkenness, lured her into a wooden structure and defiled her.

Prosecution said when the victim woke up, she found out that she was naked and saw Odartey lying beside her.

The victim kept the ordeal to herself. However, on May 31 this year, at about 1400 hours, the victim was with a friend in a wooden structure when Odartey walked in.

Odartey attacked and sacked the victim’s friend from the place and demanded for sex, but she refused.

Prosecution said Odartey pulled a knife and threatened to stab the victim.

A struggle ensued and in the process Odartey cut the victim’s left hand with the knife.

Detective Inspector Atimbire said the victim’s uncle who heard of the incident rushed to the scene and apprehended Odartey and reported the case to the Nungua Police Station.

The Police also issued the victim with a medical form to visit the hospital for treatment and examination.

Prosecution said Odartey admitted the offence in his caution statement.