Aflao (V/R), Sept. 18, GNA - A Circuit Court at Aflao on Wednesday, sentenced Surprise Agbaglo, 40, an ex-convict to three years imprisonment for stealing five coconuts valued at 2,500 cedis ($US0.30). Agbaglo who pleaded guilty had just completed a 12-month prison term imposed by the same court in April last year for stealing a fowl.

Prosecuting, Mr George Bedzra, Police Inspector in-charge of Agbozume told the court, presided over by Mr Godwin Kwasi-Kumah, that both Agbaglo and Mawutor Xeflide, the complainant, lived in Kpodoave, a suburb of Agbozume.

Insp Bedzra said at 0200 hrs on September 10, this year, the complainant was attracted by a sound from his coconut plantation. Mr Bedzra said the complainant saw Agbaglo on a coconut tree at the plantation with a bag containing coconuts.

The prosecutor Bedzra said Agbaglo on seeing the complainant, dropped the bag containing the fruits and some people assisted Xeflide to apprehended the suspect.

In a similar development, Dogbe Dzakpasu, 38, who appeared before the same court for stealing 18 coconuts worth 9,000 cedis at Dzakpasukope in the Keta District, pleaded with the court to let him work on the complainant's farm as punishment instead of a custodian sentence.

Dzakpasu pleaded guilty but explained that he thought the coconut tree belonged to his late grandfather.

He was fined 300,000 cedis or six months' imprisonment in default. Mr Richard Boahene, Inspector in charge of Anlo-Afiadenyigbe Police told the court that the complainant, Akuyo Gordor, at 1000 hrs on September 9, visited her farm at Dzakpasu Kope where the accused lived and saw him plucking coconuts.

He said other farmers attracted to the scene assisted in arresting Dzakpasu.