Kumasi, Sept 20, GNA - A Kumasi Circuit Court has sentenced a 24-year-old driver to five years imprisonment in hard labour for stealing items valued at GH¢972.00 from a student.

Benjamin Lawson was convicted for an additional charge of unlawful entry and was ordered to pay a fine of GH¢600.00 or serve another 12 months jail term in default.

The sentence would, however, run concurrently.

He had pleaded guilty to both charges.

Police Inspector Sylvanus Dalmeida told the court, presided over by Justice D.W.P Amedior, that the complainant resides at Kotei New Site whilst Lawson lives at Bompata, both in Kumasi.

On September 15, at about 0915 hours, a co-tenant and a witness in the case, saw the convict coming out from the complainant’s kitchen, holding a small travelling bag.

She questioned how he came by the bag and he fumbled, heightening her suspicion that he was a thief.

The witness, therefore, raised the alarm, attracting some people in the neighbourhood who assisted to arrest.

The prosecution said when the bag was opened, the complainant’s laptop computer as well as an external disk and pen drive were found.

Additionally, there was a pair of foot wear and jeans trousers, “T”-shirt, perfume, wrist watch and a certificate, all belonging to her.

He was, therefore, escorted to the KNUST Police Station and in his caution statement admitted the crime.

Justice Amedior, passing the sentence said, “You are one of the people who move from room to room, hostel to hostel, stealing from students at the university and its environs. You must be kept away from law abiding citizens for some time.”