Driver in court for fraud, escaping from lawful custody

A driver who allegedly bolted with a Hyundai truck and 300 bags of sachet water has been placed before an Accra Circuit Court.

Yaw Asare, who was to distribute the bags of water in Ashiaman, was arrested at Ahenma Kokoben in the Ashanti Region.

Charged with defrauding by false pretence and escaping from lawful custody, Asare aka Mohammed has pleaded not guilty.

Asare was admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢ 100,000 with two sureties one to be made by a public servant.

He is expected to reappear on March 30 before the Court presided over by Ms Patricia Quansah.

Chief Inspector Francis Tarsan said the complainant Comfort Sabukuor, is a businesswoman residing at Lashibi, a suburb of Accra, and the accused person also resides in the same area.

On February 23, this year at about 1100 hrs Asare went to the complainant and her husband, saying he was into the business of sachet water but his vehicle had developed some faults.

Prosecution said Asare convinced them to give him some bags of sachet water to distribute them to his customers who are demanding them for purchase.

Chief Inspector Tarsan said the complainant demanded Asare’s identity card which possessed the name Yakubu Wahab and offered him 300 bags of the sachet water valued at GH¢ 750 and her Hyundai truck valued at GH¢ 60,000.

He said Asare promised to supply the water in Ashiaman and return the same day with the proceeds.

The prosecutor said Asare after taking possession of the truck and bags of water did not return hence a report was made to the Police who sent wireless messages to all police stations.

On February 24, this year at about 1600 hrs the Anhwea-Nkwanta Police in the Ashanti Region detained and impounded the truck which had 15 bags of sachet water.

Prosecution said the Police at Sakumono later went for the truck and on their way, Asare hit the driver with his handcuffs and with this he lost control of the vehicle.

Chief Inspector Tarsan said the vehicle fell into a ditch and Asare broke through the window of the truck in an attempt to escape.

He said when Corporal Comfort Ampofo held him in the ensuing struggle, Asare also bit her left thumb and right hand.

Asare was finally overpowered and escorted to the Police at Sakumono.

In his caution statement, Asare said after distributing the sachet water, he was hired to do some work at Ahenma Kokoben in the Ashanti Region.