A 40-year-old butcher in Cape Coast, Ibrahim Issa, on Monday appeared before a Cape Coast Circuit Court presided over by his Lordship Kofi Amatewee for stealing eight goats in the area.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢1,600 to re-appear on November 24, 2014.

Prosecuting, ASP Okyere Andam said the incident happened at the Coronation Junction in Cape Coast on October 29, 2014.

ASP Andam stated that the complainants in the case were police officers attached to the Central Regional Police Command.

Prosecution added that on that fateful day, the complainants were on patrol duty around 5am when they had information that a Hyundai vehicle with registration number GR3167-Y, which was packed at the Coronation Junction, was suspected to be carrying stolen goats.

The prosecutor said the patrol team proceeded to the scene immediately. On seeing the police, one of the suspects took to his heels leaving Issa and the eight goats in the car.

ASP Andam told the court that Issa was therefore arrested and sent, together with the goats, to the police station.

Prosecution stated that during interrogation, Issa claimed he bought the goats from a seller at the Kotokuraba Market but failed to name or give the location of the person he bought the goats from.

The prosecutor noted that plans were underway to trace the owner(s) of the goats for identification and onward collection.