Wassa-Akropong (W/R), July 10, GNA - Stephen Asare, a 25-year-old driver's mate was on Friday sentenced to a fine of one million cedis by the Wassa-Akropong Magistrate's court for stealing five gallons of diesel oil, belonging to his employer, Samatex a timber company. He pleaded guilty to the charge and would go to prison for six months if he fails to pay the fine.

Haruna Moro, also a worker of Samatex and Asare's accomplice is on the run.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Castro Odoom told the court presided over by Mr Frank Komla Mensah that, on July 6, 2005, Asare and Moro were detailed to work on an excavator.

The two conspired and siphoned five gallons of diesel oil from the machine and sold it to a witness, who reported it to the Chief Security Officer of Samatex.

Asare pleaded with the court to deal with him leniently because his wife is nine months pregnant and would have no one to care for her when she delivers.