Driver fined for disturbing court proceedings

Ho, May 6, GNA- A Ho High Court on Thursday sentenced Seth Akpalu, 34, driver of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to two days' imprisonment for disturbing the Court with loud music from the company's van on Wednesday May 5.

Akpalu pleaded guilty to contempt of court.

He was in addition fined 200,000 cedis and bonded to be of good behaviour for six months or serve 30 days in prison.

The presiding judge, Mr Justice Richard Apaloo said he had to impose a harsh sentence on Akpalu for being defiant and disrespectful by throwing off a Court Clerk and Policeman whom he sent to summon him before the Court but instead, sped off.

"He seemed to have no respect for law and order", Mr Justice Apaloo said.

He said when Akpalu was arrested and brought before the Court he could hardly stand on his feet since he was drunk and smelling alcohol.

" I don't understand why you allow a drunken driver in your van" Mr Justice Apaloo told four Management staff of the Company who were in court.

"He was a danger both to himself and the public", the judge added. Mr Justice Richard Apaloo asked the accused person to be mindful that noise is prohibited in and around Court premises, hospitals, schools and residential areas.