The Juaso Circuit Court has ordered a farmer to be held in jail for four years for the theft of a tractor jerk valued at GH¢1,800.00.

Daniel Amu, who was charged with stealing and escaping from lawful custody, pleaded guilty.

The court presided over by Justice Alex Obeng-Asante, sentenced him to four years imprisonment for stealing and another two years for escaping, to run concurrently.

Police Chief Inspector Emmanuel Ofori told the court that the complainant, a chainsaw operator and the convict both live at Obogu in the Asante-Akim South District.

The complainant after close of work about four months ago left the jerk in the Akotia Forest. He returned four days later only to discover it had been stolen.

He was tipped off that Amu was responsible for the theft and caused his arrest.

The prosecution said he confessed to the crime in his caution statement and told the police he sold it for GH¢200.00 to a scrap dealer.

While being kept in police custody, Amu fell sick and was taken to the hospital for treatment where he escaped. He was re-arrested after a week.