A Circuit Court in Accra on Tuesday sentenced a 52 year-old mason to 22 years imprisonment in hard labour for defiling a four year old girl at Abokobi Boi. This was after Robert Quaye was found guilty by the court presided over by Ms Sedina Agbemava at the end of the trial.

Quaye had earlier on pleaded not guilty and was kept on remand. In her judgement, the trial judge noted that the accused denied the offence but admitted same in his caution statement to the police.

According to the court, Quaye indicated that he was drunk, but the court pointed out that intoxication was not a defence in a criminal matter.

It noted that the victim was only doing the convict a favour and she (the victim) could be the convict’s granddaughter.

The court said it found the conduct of Quaye repulsive hence handed down a deterrent sentence on him.

Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sarah Acquah told the court that the complainant was a trader whiles the victim was her niece.

According to ASP Acquah, the complainant visited her sister, who is the mother of the victim. The victim resides with her parents at Abokobi Boi. Quaye also works in the same area but lives at Teiman.

According to prosecution, Quaye got to know the victim because he worked in the area and became acquainted hence he (the convict) usually said that he would marry the victim when she grew up.

On April 24 this year, Quaye went to the victim’s house and sent her to buy bread for him.

Prosecution said Quaye then hid in an uncompleted building and waited for the victim. As soon as she (the victim) brought the bread, Quaye held her had sex with her on a cement paper he had laid on the floor.

A witness in the matter known as Efo Doe said he saw Quaye naked in an uncompleted building and when he quizzed him, Quaye took to his heels.

ASP Acquah said Quaye was chased and apprehended and escorted to the Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit (DOVVSU), Adenta, where a report was made.

The Police then issued a medical form to the complainant for examination at the hospital.