Galamsey operator remanded for defilement

Francis Essel, a 19 year-old galamsey operator (illegal miner) has been remanded into prison custody by the Tarkwa Circuit Court for allegedly defiling a 13 year-old girl.

The accused pleaded not guilty and would re-appear on February 11.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Oscar Amponsah told the court, presided by Mr Justice Obeng Asante that the complainant, Kwabena Yeboah, a farmer and father of the victim, lived in the same neighborhood with the accused at Wasa Sebe-Krom.

He said about three months ago, the complainant detected that Essel was having sexual intercourse with the victim and warned him to put an end to it but he failed to adhere to the advice.

Chief Inspector Amponsah said when the complainant questioned the accused about his sexual relationship with the victim, he admitted the offence and pleaded for forgiveness.

He said on September 12, 2014, the complainant took the victim to the police station and reported the matter.

He said while the case was under investigation, the police established that, the accused started having sexual intercourse with the victim three years ago.

The Prosecutor said a police medical form was issued to the victim to attend hospital for examination and report.

Inspector Amponsah said the accused person was arrested and charged with the offence.