Man jailed 36 months for 'fingering' minor

A Circuit Court in Accra on Friday sentenced Akwasi Berkoh a “bookman” to 36 months imprisonment for inserting his penis into the genitals of a four- year old at Teshie and fingering the victim.

Berkoh 25 charged with indecent assault pleaded not guilty.

The court presided over by Ms Sedina Agbemava however found him guilty and convicted him accordingly.

Berkoh who was taken aback by the judgement wept saying “I know nothing about the matter”. His mother who could not stand the shock got out of the court amidst talking to herself.

According to the court prosecution after calling five witnesses a case against Berkoh was established.

The court noted that medical report also confirmed that the victim after going through the ordeal appeared traumatised.

According to the court although Berkoh denied the offence and also knowing the victim in the neighbourhood, it was found that he was lying.

It noted that Berkoh contended that on the day of incident, he was at Weija adding that Berkoh and his witnesses were untrue to the court.

The court noted that the victim as well as her sister was able to identify Berkoh’s place of abode without any toil and the victim pointed out where the crime took place.

The case of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sarah Acquah was that the complainant was victim’s mother and they both reside at Teshie. Berkoh also reside at the same vicinity.

On December 19, last year at about 11:45 am; while the victim was playing with a witness in the matter, Berkoh lured her into his kiosk under the pretext of sending her to buy “pure water.”

ASP Acquah said as soon as the victim brought the water and entered into the kiosk, Berkoh locked the kiosk undressed her and pinned her on the floor and indecently assaulted her.

Prosecution said after the act, Berkoh opened the door and gave the victim GH¢0.10. Immediately the victim reached home she reported her ordeal to her mother and kept complaining about severe pains in her vagina.

Later prosecution said the victim took the complainant to Berkoh’s kiosk. A report was made to the Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit where a medical form was issued for examination.

When Berkoh was arrested and interrogation he denied the offence in his caution statement.