Taxi driver fined for assaulting police officer

Asamankese (E/R), Aug. 15, GNA - A taxi driver who slapped a police officer for asking him to move his car from an unapproved place, was fined two million cedis by the Asamankese Circuit Court on Friday. Solomon Tetteh pleaded guilty to unlawfully molesting Police Lance Corporal Maxwell Okoto, who was executing his lawful duties and for unlawfully and intentionally causing harm to him.

Tetteh was also ordered to pay compensation of 400,000 cedis to the Policeman. He will go to prison for 12 months in hard labour if he fails to pay the amount.

According to the prosecution, on July 13, at about 2000 hours, Tetteh parked his taxicab bearing number GR 1186 U close to the main gates of a school to which L/C Okoto was posted.

It said the policeman asked him to move the vehicle to a more convenient place so that the gate could be easily opened in case of an emergency but Tetteh refused and began walking away, retorting that the L/C Okoto should not "disturb his ears".

The Court heard that during the exchanges, L/C Okoto threatened to deflate the tyres of the taxi. This infuriated Tetteh, who rushed on him, shook him vigorously and repeatedly slapped him.