Accra (Greater Accra), 16 Feb. '99 -

Daniel Otu, a prison officer, today appeared before an Accra Circuit Tribunal, charged with defilement of a female under 16 years. Otu, 42, pleaded not guilty and was granted a 10 million-cedi bail with one surety to be justified. He would reappear on March seven. Prosecuting, Mrs Margaret Ahiadeke, a State Attorney, told the tribunal chaired by Mrs Frances Owusu-Arhin that Otu and the victim's mother lives in the same prison barracks in Accra. Mrs Ahiadeke said on June 10, 1997, the victim had gone to drink water from Otu's apartment when he called her and had sex with her. The State Attorney said the victim bled so profusely after the incident that she was rushed to the Police Hospital where she was treated and discharged. According to Mrs Ahiadeke, the hospital authorities also confirmed that the girl had been carnally known.