A Tarkwa circuit court has fined a mechanic GH¢480 or in default 2 years imprisonment in hard labour for stealing 895 grams of gold concentrate valued at GH¢1,434.31.

The mechanic, Frank Osei, 40, is alleged to have the gold belonging to AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem (AAI), mine Tarkwa.

He pleaded guilty.

Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Edward Paddy told the court presided over by Mr. Samuel Obeng Diawuo that the accused works with Bobmylow ventures, a subsidiary company of AAI.

He said on May 17 around 0600 hours, the accused with his colleagues reported for duty and worked on the mill of the company.

According to the Prosecutor, after close of work on May 18 at about 0730 hours, the accused went to the exit gate to be searched and the security guard on duty realized his overall attire was heavy.

Inspector Paddy said he therefore took the accused to the security room for a strip search and discovered that the accused underwear contained gold concentrate.

The accused was immediately arrested and handed over to the police together with the gold concentrate.

Inspector Paddy said when the exhibit was forwarded to the SGS laboratory, it revealed that the gold concentrate weighted 895 grams valued at GH¢1,434.31.

The Prosecutor said after investigation, the accused was charged with the offense.**