Tema, Dec. 07, GNA - A 30-year-old fitter, was on Monday arraigned before the Tema Circuit Court 'B' accused of raping a 21-year-old pregnant woman.

Buer Akpu, pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was remanded in police custody to re-appear on December 26. Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Mary Asunta, told the court that on December 3 this year, the victim, who is three months pregnant, was sent by her grand-mother to buy some provisions at Kasseh, near Ada.

Chief Inspector Asunta said whilst she was returning from Kasseh to her village, she was called by the accused person who forcibly carried her to a bathroom. The prosecution said the accused person placed her on the floor, and following a struggle that ensued between them, he overpowered the victim, and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her.

Chief Inspector Assunta said the victim became weak and helpless and laid at the bathroom until later when she re-gained energy, went home and=

narrated her ordeal to her grandmother and uncle. Chief Inspector Assunta said the medical report on the victim, reveal= ed that she was seen very weak and depressed upon examination and had severe=

abdominal pains. According to the prosecutor, the victim was still on admission at th= e Dangme East District Hospital, and was responding to treatment.