The Judge Was Right, Armed Robbers Are Dangerous

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Pappoe 11 years ago

Awuah Baffour deserves the 45 years prison sentence.

Awuah Baffour deserves the 45 years prison sentence.
Nemesis 11 years ago

Big mouth, Sarpong. Go and study law, then come back thereafter to explain the law more deeper, to the layman, and stop crying and calling on lawyers on this forum to explain the law.

Big mouth, Sarpong. Go and study law, then come back thereafter to explain the law more deeper, to the layman, and stop crying and calling on lawyers on this forum to explain the law.
Pappoe 11 years ago

I think he has done better than even some lawyers with his explanation.

I think he has done better than even some lawyers with his explanation.
Pappoe 11 years ago

I think he has done better than even some lawyers with his explanation.

I think he has done better than even some lawyers with his explanation.
Pappoe 11 years ago

I think he has done better than even some lawyers with his explanation.

I think he has done better than even some lawyers with his explanation.
Pappoe 11 years ago

I think he has done better than even some lawyers with his explanation.

I think he has done better than even some lawyers with his explanation.
Plain Truth 11 years ago

Nemesis the Billy Goat again. When will this four footed guy make sense at all ? He always displays his ignorance. This is a true homo sapien of low mentality. For real, Sarpong is better than you, Nemesis, in all aspects. Y ...
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Nemesis the Billy Goat again. When will this four footed guy make sense at all ? He always displays his ignorance. This is a true homo sapien of low mentality. For real, Sarpong is better than you, Nemesis, in all aspects. You seems to be a jerk, so why do you not call yourself Pneumonia or Skunkbag? Fool.
Ganyobi Aryitey 11 years ago

Mr. Nemesis, i think u are not in Ghana,and you are not following news in the country els you would have even wished the Judge sentences this robber to be jailed till after his 70th birthday. WAIT TILL IT HAPPENS TO U!

Mr. Nemesis, i think u are not in Ghana,and you are not following news in the country els you would have even wished the Judge sentences this robber to be jailed till after his 70th birthday. WAIT TILL IT HAPPENS TO U!
LONTO-BOY 11 years ago

OKATAKYIE SARPONG, I think Armed Robbery is one of the most serious violent crimes in Ghana now. I think the 45yrs sentencing passed by the Judge wasn't just a harsh punishment to keep the convicted criminal behind bars, but ...
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OKATAKYIE SARPONG, I think Armed Robbery is one of the most serious violent crimes in Ghana now. I think the 45yrs sentencing passed by the Judge wasn't just a harsh punishment to keep the convicted criminal behind bars, but to serve as a deterrent as well.

Armed Robbery is a first degree felony and generally incur lengthy sentences. Given the intent and motive in committing this crime, and his previous offence[as a repeat offender], I completely agree with the Judge.

Well, given that people convicted of 'cassava' crimes do get tough sentences but there's lack of punishment for our corrupt politicians and their fraudulent cronies, it makes you wonder, isn't it? This is what happens when we've political collusion, political interference of the country's Judicial system and when the electorate do tolerate corruption.
Jata 11 years ago

First of all the "good news" article was from CAMERON DUODU, and NOT a "SAM
DUODU".

How can you rush to post without double checking the real "writer"?

Also, if you read the article to the END, you would have seen that ...
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First of all the "good news" article was from CAMERON DUODU, and NOT a "SAM
DUODU".

How can you rush to post without double checking the real "writer"?

Also, if you read the article to the END, you would have seen that your bogus "definition" of the crime was diligently noted, and verified from
a "practicing Lawyer" in Ghana.

CARDINAL 11 years ago

Ofui, the initial story was published on April 27 when fools like you were all over the Judge insulting him for doing his job as expected.

Go to that article and read my comment defending the Judge and explaining to you fo ...
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Ofui, the initial story was published on April 27 when fools like you were all over the Judge insulting him for doing his job as expected.

Go to that article and read my comment defending the Judge and explaining to you fools the reason behind the sentence before the well known lawyer Ace Ankoma explained to Mr Duodu why the Judge took that decision, exactly as I said on April 27 and I am not even a lawyer but smart than most of you idiots in this forum to understand the reason behind the Judge's decision. Go and check for yourself.
Densu 11 years ago

Cardinal, your ref here is for the May 3 post, so no wiggling out!

Cardinal, your ref here is for the May 3 post, so no wiggling out!
CARDINAL 11 years ago

"Cardinal, your ref here is for the May 3 post, so no wiggling out!"

THAT IS NOT TRUE. I HAVE SAID THE SAME THING ACE ANKOMAH WROTE ON MAY 3 A WEEK EARLIER ON APRIL 27TH

Author:
CARDINAL

Date:
2014-04-27 15 ...
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"Cardinal, your ref here is for the May 3 post, so no wiggling out!"

THAT IS NOT TRUE. I HAVE SAID THE SAME THING ACE ANKOMAH WROTE ON MAY 3 A WEEK EARLIER ON APRIL 27TH

Author:
CARDINAL

Date:
2014-04-27 15:48:17

Comment to:
Re: Nana is illegal political galamsy man.

The sentence is excessive unless this guy has a previous record of armed robbery. Yes, the judgement as stated here is too harsh looking at the age of the criminal and if this is his first time.

People are just looking at the value of how much he stole without looking at the means by which he stole it. Anytime you steal from somebody by using force which a weapon is brandished, it is termed armed robbery and the value of what you stole become insignificant. If he has picked-pocket the phone and money, the longest prison sentence might have been 2 years but the moment he pulled a knife, it became a different crime.

The Judge should have taken his age into consideration but we might not be getting the whole story. This guy might have been a habitual criminal who might have been given a respite before.
CARDINAL 11 years ago

On April 27th 2014, I wrote a comment when this story was reported in the forum under the heading;

PULLING OF KNIFE SEALED HIS FATE

Author:
CARDINAL

Date:
2014-04-27 15:48:17

Comment to:
Re: Nana is ill ...
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On April 27th 2014, I wrote a comment when this story was reported in the forum under the heading;

PULLING OF KNIFE SEALED HIS FATE

Author:
CARDINAL

Date:
2014-04-27 15:48:17

Comment to:
Re: Nana is illegal political galamsy man.

The sentence is excessive unless this guy has a previous record of armed robbery. Yes, the judgement as stated here is too harsh looking at the age of the criminal and if this is his first time.

People are just looking at the value of how much he stole without looking at the means by which he stole it. Anytime you steal from somebody by using force which a weapon is brandished, it is termed armed robbery and the value of what you stole become insignificant. If he has picked-pocket the phone and money, the longest prison sentence might have been 2 years but the moment he pulled a knife, it became a different crime.

The Judge should have taken his age into consideration but we might not be getting the whole story. This guy might have been a habitual criminal who might have been given a respite before.

ON MAY 6, AN ARTICLE FROM CAMEROUN DUODU GET ON THE SAME ISSUE WAS EXPLAINED BY ACE ANKOMAH, A LAWYER AS I DID ON April 27th SO I DID NOT COPY ACE ANKOMAH'S RESPONSE. I KNEW THAT IS HOW THE LAW IS.

Ace Ankomah, a known lawyer explains the reason behind the judgement

“I will provide just ONE answer to all of your questions: “The judge is right. In the hype and the misleading headline by the journalist, many have missed a critical aspect of the story. Baffuor Awuah was not convicted of stealing. He was convicted of and sentenced for ROBBERY.

“The prosecutor said that [refusal to comply with the request for money] angered the two, who drew a knife, attacked the victim, and forcibly removed his phone and cash...”

“Robbery, under Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, is a FIRST DEGREE FELONY. Under Section 150, the offence of robbery is committed if in, and for the purpose of, stealing, a person uses force or causes harm, or uses even threats or assault, with the intention of preventing or overcoming the resistance of the other person.

“Under Section 196 of the Criminal & Other Offences (Procedure) Act, unless a statute prescribes a specific punishment, a person convicted of a first degree felony is liable to life imprisonment or “any lesser term.”

“And so this guy could have been sentenced to life imprisonment. He is lucky to get away with a “lesser term” of 45 years. Note: It is not about the value of the item that he ended up stealing, but the fact that he committed a robbery (used force or the threat of force or an assault, when he drew the knife and attacked the victim). THAT is what has sent him to jail for 45 years.

“On the facts, there is precious little, to no, difference between this guy and the guy who robs you at night in your house and only gets a mobile phone.”
CS 11 years ago

Your current article prominently mentioned Mr Duodu's article of May 3.

You did NOT reproduce anything Mr Duodu wrote on April 27, so since you "quoted" Mr Duodu out of context, you seem to be "cleverly" responding to Mr D ...
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Your current article prominently mentioned Mr Duodu's article of May 3.

You did NOT reproduce anything Mr Duodu wrote on April 27, so since you "quoted" Mr Duodu out of context, you seem to be "cleverly" responding to Mr Duodu.

Why is it necessary to "quote" Mr Duodu NOW when the issue is already "settled" by your original input in April?

Did Mr Duodu "respond" to your April "foresight insight"?
SARPONG 11 years ago

Did I say Mr Duodu wrote an article on April 27th? No I didn't and there was no need for me to bring the news item of April 27 if I was not accused by Jata of piggybacking on Ace Ankomah's explanation.

I only referred you ...
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Did I say Mr Duodu wrote an article on April 27th? No I didn't and there was no need for me to bring the news item of April 27 if I was not accused by Jata of piggybacking on Ace Ankomah's explanation.

I only referred you to what I wrote as a comment to the news item on this issue on April 27 to refute the accusation that I am depending on lawyer Ankomah's explanation to boast.

I wrote that Baffour's transgression was not stealing but robbery on April 27 one week before Ankomah said the same thing I wrote beforehand. I knew then that when you introduce a weapon in robbing somebody of even one cedi, the amount becomes insignificant because your crime has now become an armed robbery and how much you took is not important. I said that on my April 27 comment and I am not even in the legal profession.
Dr. SAS, Attorney at Law 11 years ago

What Ghana needs is comprehensive and standard sentencing guidelines which will capture the scenarios of crimes in the country and allot the appropriate punishments....Right now, the system is left at the vagaries of judges w ...
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What Ghana needs is comprehensive and standard sentencing guidelines which will capture the scenarios of crimes in the country and allot the appropriate punishments....Right now, the system is left at the vagaries of judges with no sense of legal proportion.
It is impossible to have an objective view of justice when all the facts of a case are not available. Besides, the crime of armed robbery is severely nuanced to the point where you cannot look at the charge alone and determine the correct punishment.
All the same, on its face, what we have now by way of information on this case will not merit a sentence of forty-five years prison time unless there are aggravating circumstances and severe bodily injuries of which we have not been properly apprised.
But then, I speak as a defense attorney with no faith in the prison system.
CARDINAL 11 years ago

Ace Ankomah, a known lawyer explains the reason behind the judgement

“I will provide just ONE answer to all of your questions: “The judge is right. In the hype and the misleading headline by the journalist, many have ...
read full comment

Ace Ankomah, a known lawyer explains the reason behind the judgement

“I will provide just ONE answer to all of your questions: “The judge is right. In the hype and the misleading headline by the journalist, many have missed a critical aspect of the story. Baffuor Awuah was not convicted of stealing. He was convicted of and sentenced for ROBBERY.

“The prosecutor said that [refusal to comply with the request for money] angered the two, who drew a knife, attacked the victim, and forcibly removed his phone and cash...”

“Robbery, under Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, is a FIRST DEGREE FELONY. Under Section 150, the offence of robbery is committed if in, and for the purpose of, stealing, a person uses force or causes harm, or uses even threats or assault, with the intention of preventing or overcoming the resistance of the other person.

“Under Section 196 of the Criminal & Other Offences (Procedure) Act, unless a statute prescribes a specific punishment, a person convicted of a first degree felony is liable to life imprisonment or “any lesser term.”

“And so this guy could have been sentenced to life imprisonment. He is lucky to get away with a “lesser term” of 45 years. Note: It is not about the value of the item that he ended up stealing, but the fact that he committed a robbery (used force or the threat of force or an assault, when he drew the knife and attacked the victim). THAT is what has sent him to jail for 45 years.

“On the facts, there is precious little, to no, difference between this guy and the guy who robs you at night in your house and only gets a mobile phone.”
Dr. SAS, Attorney at Law 11 years ago

Ace Ankomah's explanation is simplistic, if not utterly nonsensical.
In the first place, he lumps all manner of armed robberies together and considers their punishments as one and equal. He sees "no difference between this g ...
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Ace Ankomah's explanation is simplistic, if not utterly nonsensical.
In the first place, he lumps all manner of armed robberies together and considers their punishments as one and equal. He sees "no difference between this guy and the guy who robs you at night in your house and only gets a mobile phone.”
Secondly, he quotes the law without proper analyses with the unique facts of the case. This epitomizes a non-lawyer's perspective of the law. He sounds like a robot reciting laws and ascribing punishments...
Finally, he speaks from a prosecutorial perspective and gravitates towards punitive, not an objective, conclusion.
In this instant case, a guy sees a cell phone and attacks the owner with a knife in order to dispossess him of it. He is a kind of lower level armed robber very different from the one with a machine gun! To say that both are one and the same does not make sense.
CARDINAL 11 years ago

SAS, he quoted Ghana laws to back his explanation. First, this guy is a habitual criminal and I believe that factored into his sentencing as you as a lawyer should know.

"He is a kind of lower level armed robber very diffe ...
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SAS, he quoted Ghana laws to back his explanation. First, this guy is a habitual criminal and I believe that factored into his sentencing as you as a lawyer should know.

"He is a kind of lower level armed robber very different from the one with a machine gun!"

SAS, C'mon, you as a lawyer should know it does not matter whether it is AK 47, baseball bat or knife, each of the above weapons is seen by the law to be weapons that can end somebody's life.

As Ace Ankomah explained, these are the same people that can come to your house at night and subject you and your family to brutalities, raping the wife and daughters.

I understand as a Defence Lawyer, you will defend your client no matter whether they are guilty or not but this is not a courtroom here.

Dr. SAS, Attorney at Law 11 years ago

Brother Sarpong,
Everything you have said here is either irrelevant or untrue to the discourse in point. Your statement, "You as a lawyer should know it does not matter whether it is AK 47, baseball bat or knife, each of the ...
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Brother Sarpong,
Everything you have said here is either irrelevant or untrue to the discourse in point. Your statement, "You as a lawyer should know it does not matter whether it is AK 47, baseball bat or knife, each of the above weapons is seen by the law to be weapons that can end somebody's life," leads me to believe that you need more tutelage in the law. In this sense, you are in bed with Ace Ankomah who sees in grey, and not in nuances.
In sum, the law is like a machine; a little tweak applied to the facts will have a dramatic effect on an outcome. Thus, given the facts as we know them, the forty-year sentence give to the criminal is way over the top. Moreover, the reasoning applied in the courtroom is no alien to that of the outside world. In this sense, many people will agree with my conclusion and reject that of Ankomah's.
CARDINAL 11 years ago

Dr SAS, I will take law lessons from you anyday, have a good weekend.

Dr SAS, I will take law lessons from you anyday, have a good weekend.
Brother 11 years ago

Cardinal, the law is the law, right? We are not robots. The reason for having prisons is not to burden the government with people for free lunch but for correction. That is why others call it penitentiary. For correction. Dr ...
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Cardinal, the law is the law, right? We are not robots. The reason for having prisons is not to burden the government with people for free lunch but for correction. That is why others call it penitentiary. For correction. Dr SAS has mentioned aggravating factors and mitigating factors. I hope throwing a small stone at your friend will be same as shooting him with a gun to you. Give it up
CARDINAL 11 years ago

Thank you, when this boy comes at you at night with a knife held at your throat whilst his accomplice who is at large rapes your wife and daughters, you will then know the knife is a stone.

The 911 bombers who killed more ...
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Thank you, when this boy comes at you at night with a knife held at your throat whilst his accomplice who is at large rapes your wife and daughters, you will then know the knife is a stone.

The 911 bombers who killed more than 3000 people in New York more than ten years ago did that deed with just cutter knifes with four inch blades.
CARDINAL 11 years ago

Hey, just a question. What would you have said if this guy had been beaten to death by the crowd as sometimes happen in Ghana?

Believe me, most of you tender hearts here would be singing a different tune saying he deserves ...
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Hey, just a question. What would you have said if this guy had been beaten to death by the crowd as sometimes happen in Ghana?

Believe me, most of you tender hearts here would be singing a different tune saying he deserves it but he doesn't deserve 45 years for tormenting a law abiding citizen, huh? You guys sometimes baffles me.
Brother 11 years ago

I said, give it up. Being a diehard is good but only to a point. And who told you that, the use of cutter knifes take over a plane to crush into building analogy does not give you away as lacking perspective.

I said, give it up. Being a diehard is good but only to a point. And who told you that, the use of cutter knifes take over a plane to crush into building analogy does not give you away as lacking perspective.
SARPONG 11 years ago

"And who told you that, the use of cutter knifes take over a plane"

Thanks, your perspective is well noted.

"And who told you that, the use of cutter knifes take over a plane"

Thanks, your perspective is well noted.

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The Judge Was Right, Armed Robbers Are Dangerous

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