Tailor fined for grilling son's leg over 1,500 cedis

Accra, Sept. 14, GNA - A Circuit Court in Accra has sentenced a 27-year-old tailor to a fine of three million cedis for burning his son's right leg and hand with a candle light for stealing his 1,500 cedis.

John Torku, in default would serve a six-month jail term. Torku, who was charged with causing harm, pleaded guilty. Prosecuting, Police Inspector I. A. A. Ahor said the victim aged 10 years lived with his father, Torku at Musuku, near Kwabenya in Accra. On May 29, this year Torku returned from work, invited the victim into his room and questioned him for stealing 1,500 cedis.

Prosecution said the victim refused to tell the truth, hence Torku became furious, tied the victim's hand with a measuring tape, lit a candle and used it on the victims' right leg and hand. The victim sustained burns but Torku kept quiet over the issue until May 31, this year when a neighbour saw the victim's condition and reported the matter to the Police.

Prosecution said Torku was arrested and sent to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DVVSU) of the Ghana police Service while the victim was sent to the Police Hospital for treatment. The victim was later sent to Osu Children's home for shelter.