Carpenter jailed six years for stealing computers

Cape Coast, Aug. 19, GNA - A Cape Coast Circuit court on Tuesday sentenced Kwabena Annan 27, a carpenter to six years imprisonment for stealing eight computers and accessories valued at GH¢1,250 from Assin Akropong Presbyterian Primary School.

Annan pleaded guilty to unlawful entry, stealing and causing unlawful damage and sentenced on his plea for six years on each count to run concurrently.

Police Chief Inspector Hope Azasoo told the court presided over by Mr Richard Asiedu-Badu that a witness informed the police at Assin Akropong that accused had given a computer keyboard to her for safe keeping and suspected that it was stolen.

He said the accused was arrested when he returned to collect the keyboard from the witness and during a search in his room by the police, seven monitors, eight system units and eight keyboards with their mouse attached were found.

The prosecution said another witness who saw the accused carrying a sack during the night informed the police and during interrogation accused admitted the offence and after investigations charged. Passing sentence, Mr Asiedu-Badu said the impact of accused's action on the school and community was grievous because it would deprive the pupils access to computer literacy.

In another development, the court sentenced Emmanuel Arthur, unemployed to four years imprisonment on his own plea for unlawful entry and stealing personal effects belonging to a businesswoman at OLA Estate, a suburb of Cape Coast.

Police Chief Inspector Augustine Amonoo told the court that on August 12, this year, the accused entered the room of the complainant who was asleep and made away with her handbag containing three mobile phones, a purse and cash.

He said the accused offered one of the phones to a lady for sale but was asked to return for the money later. The prosecution said the lady decided to give the phone to her sister to buy but her sister who was a friend of the complainant recognised the phone and informed her. Police Chief Inspector Amonoo said the matter was reported to the police and when the accused came for the money he was apprehended and sent to the police who after investigations charged him with the offence. 19 Aug. 08