Unemployed jailed 30 years for attempting to steal

An Accra circuit court on Monday handed a 30-year jail-term to one Patrick Kwame Adom, unemployed, for attempting to steal a KIA taxi, with registration number GW 5673-13 from the driver.

Patrick was said to have slashed the wrist of the driver, while struggling with him with the intent to overcome the driver's resistance and steal the car.

The court, presided over by Mr Francis Obiri, handed over the sentence after the convict was found guilty after the trial.

The convict, Patrick, had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Assistant State Attorney, Dora Quaye, told the court that on March 8, 2013, around 2030 hours, Patrick, in the company of one other, now at large, hired the services of the complainant, the taxi driver, from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle to the La Girls School area at an agreed fare of GH¢7.00.

She said on reaching the La Girls School area, the convict and his accomplice ordered the complainant, Nana Kofi Arhen, to park the taxi and Patrick forcefully removed the car key.

She told the court that a struggle ensued and during the process, the convict pulled out a knife and aimed at the face of the complainant who managed to shield his face just in time.

The knife, however, hit the outer wrist of the complainant, while his accomplice also stabbed him (complainant) three times in the back of the head. The complainant, bleeding profusely, shouted for help.

Madam Quaye said fortunately for the complainant, a taxi driver passing by saw what was going on and raised the alarm.

She said people who answered the distress call chased Patrick and his accomplice but managed to arrest Patrick and subjected him to severe beating, but was saved by the timely arrival and intervention of the La police.

The prosecution said Patrick was then rushed to the La Hospital where he was treated and arraigned before court.