Labourer remanded in prison custody defilement

Asamankese, March 10, GNA - Charles Akoto 18 a labourer who allegedly abducted a 14-year-old maid servant in his room for two days and defiled her has been remanded in prison custody by an Asamankese Circuit Court.

Akoto pleaded guilty and would reappear on March 13. Police Chief Inspector Eric Okyere told the court presided over by Mr Justice Kofi Akrowiah that on December 28, last year, the victim left her house at Akwatia to sell doughnuts and in the course of her rounds Akoto bought a 1,000 cedis worth and gave her 20,000 cedis note for payment.

He said the victim could not change the money and therefore, requested Akoto to return the doughnut to her but Akoto refused and asked her to return later for the money.

The prosecution said when the victim returned in the evening of the same day, Akoto asked her to follow him to his house for the money but when they reached his house, Akoto dragged the victim into a room and defiled her for two days.

Police Chief Inspector Okyere, told the Court that during the period, the couple staying with the victim searched for her and informed the Akwatia Neighbourhood Watch Committee for assistance.

He said on the second day, the victim who managed to escape to a friend's house and narrated her ordeal was taken to the couple and when members of the Committee went to Akoto's room he managed to escape. The prosecution said Akoto was however, arrested when he attempted to leave Akwatia in a taxi and handed over to the police.

He said during investigations, Akoto, was granted police bail to appear in court on January 4, but he failed and the surety later arrested and handed him over to the police.

In the court, Akoto argued that the victim was 17 years old and not 14.

The Court therefore, asked the police to ascertain the correct age of the victim by the next adjourned date.