Ex-convict convicted on similar offence

A Half-Assini Magistrate court in Western Region has sentenced a 22 year old ex-convict 24 months imprisonment In Hard Labour for stealing 130 dry coconuts pieces valued GH¢20.50.

Benle Adonle, unemployed, from Nawule near Bonyere pleaded guilty.

The court presided over by Mr Abdul Majid Illiasu, ordered the convict to compensate complainant in the case, Mr Patrick Amihere with GH¢180.00.and asked that the retrieved coconuts be given to the complainant.

Presenting the facts, Police Sergeant Isaac E. Otoo, said complainant in the case, Mr Patrick Amihere, is a coconut farmer at Bonyere while the convict, Benle Adonle, is unemployed and a resident of Nawule.

He said the complainant who has been experiencing thefts in his coconut plantation entrusted the farm to the care of a witness in the case.

The prosecution said about 1500 hours on Sunday April 24 2016, the caretaker went to the plantation and found the convict busily peeling some coconuts into a sack.

According to the prosecution when the caretaker confronted him, he said the plantation belongs to his father.

He said that the caretaker not convinced with his answer, escorted the convict to Bonyere Police Station and made a formal report against him.

The Prosecutor declared that Police investigations revealed that convict's father's plantation was not where the convict was discovered

He disclosed to the court that the convict was in 2014 sentenced by a Takoradi circuit court to two years on similar offence.

Passing the sentence, the Magistrate said the convict's admission of just serving two years prison term mandates him to either give him enhanced sentence this time or to maintain the sentence.