Driver’s mate gets 24 years for robbery

An Accra Circuit Court on Thursday sentenced a Driver’s Mate, Benjamin Akwei to 24 years imprisonment in hard labour.

Benjamin, who pleaded guilty to the charges; conspired with one Michael Appiah and robbed one Doreen Mawufemo of her 32 inches LG plasma TV set, one magazine with five rounds of ammunition and an amount of GH?1,000.00.

The court however acquitted and discharged him on the charge of conspiracy and sentenced him for robbery.

Prosecuting Police Chief Inspector Kwabena Adu told the court that the complainant is a police woman residing at Nungua Buade and the body guard of an appeal court judge.

He said on March 20, at about 0349 hours the complainant was in bed when she was suddenly attacked by the convict and one other person now at large, holding a cutlass, screw driver and a pair of scissors which they used in breaking into her room.

The prosecutor said they ordered her to surrender her pistol, phone and money and when she resisted they subjected her to severe beatings.

Police Chief Inspector Adu said eventually they succeeded in making away with the listed items and money.

A complainant was made to the police and the complainant was issued with a medical form to go for treatment.

He told the court that on April 4, the complainant easily identified Benjamin who was in police custody for series of robbery cases in an identification parade held at the forecourt of the Nungua District Headquarters.

He said the convict admitted the offence in his caution statement and mentioned one Michael Appiah as his accomplice.

The convict is already serving a 48 years jail term on a similar offence. He was also remanded by the same court on another charge of robbery to which he pleaded not guilty.

He would be appearing for trial on April 28.