Sign writer remanded for setting house ablaze

Accra, June 14, GNA - A sign writer who set a house ablaze while his fianc=E9e and brother-in-law were asleep at Koleman, near Medea, was on Tuesday put before an Accra Circuit Court. Samuel Homadi was said to have also hurt his wife, Veronica Kwao, and his brother-in-law, Christopher, with a cutlass when they attempted to run for their lives. Homadi, who was charged with two counts of use of offensive weapon and causing harm, pleaded not guilty and he was remanded into Police custody.

The court presided over by Mr Eric Kyei-Baffour, however, ordered the Police to refer the accused person to the Chief Psychiatrist for examination.

He is to reappear on July 15. The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Peter Benne said Veronica, a trader, and Homadi, who lived under same roof, had a quarrel over house-keeping money on June 8. At about 11:00pm that same day, while they were in bed Homadi sneaked out and sprinkled kerosene all over their room and set it ablaze.

The prosecutor said Christopher woke up and started screaming for help= .. Instead of rescuing Christopher, Homadi rather picked up a cutlass and slashed his shoulders. Veronica, who attempted to rescue Christopher, was also attacked by Homadi. As a result, the prosecutor said, she sustained serious injuries and shouted for help. This attracted neighbours to the scene who rescued Veronica and Christopher while others quenched the fire. The prosecution said Veronica and Christopher were sent to the Amasaman Government Hospital for medical attention. 14 June 11