A 27-year-old driver, Enoch Mensah, who engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl in the office of a church in Sowutuom, has been sentenced to 15 years in jail.

In addition to the incident at the church office, Mensah had sexual encounters with the minor on four separate occasions at the complainant's home.

Charged with defilement, Mensah pleaded not guilty before the Gender-Based Violence Court at the Police headquarters.

However, after a full trial, the court, presided over by Dora Inkumsah Eshun, found him guilty and sentenced him accordingly.

Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei, leading the prosecution, stated that the complainant, the victim's mother and a trader residing in Apotro near Sowutuom, reported that in June 2023, the victim went to assist Mensah with cleaning at the church in Nsumfa, near Sowutuom.

Mensah locked the church and led the victim to one of the offices, where he had unprotected sex with her on a table and warned her not to tell anyone.

The court also heard that Mensah had sexual encounters with the victim on four separate occasions in the complainant's home.

On August 23, 2023, the complainant noticed changes in the victim's behaviour, and upon questioning, the victim disclosed the incidents.

A report was filed with the police, and a medical form was issued for the victim to receive examination and treatment at a hospital.

The complainant obtained medical care for the victim and returned a fully endorsed medical form from a Senior Medical Doctor at Mamprobi Teaching Hospital. During police interrogation, Mensah admitted to the offense in his caution statement.