Ex-convict challenges prosecution

Kumasi, Aug. 27, GNA- An ex-convict who was standing trial at a Kumasi circuit court for stealing, on Wednesday denied the prosecution's claim that he had three previous convictions, saying he had only one. Sulemana Mohammed, aged 31, protested the prosecution's submission just before sentence was passed. The prosecution had requested for harsh sentence for him, saying, he had refused to reform after three previous convictions for similar offence.

He was consequently convicted and sentenced to five years' imprisonment in hard labour after he has pleaded guilty. Police Chief Inspector John Afful told the court that the accused was employed by one Diana Ameyaw, a trader, as a shop attendant and has been depositing money at the Kejetia branch of the Barclays Bank on behalf of his employer.

He said on August 7, this year, Mohammed was sent to deposit 17 million cedis at the bank, but instead, he bought a taxicab with the money and went into hiding.

Chief Inspector Afful said a report was made to the police and the car was impounded and Mohammed arrested. Mohammed admitted the offence and pleaded for leniency.