Tema, Aug. 21, GNA - A 17-year-old driver's mate who had carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old girl has been remanded in custody by the Tema Magistrates court.

Kwame Opoku who pleaded not guilty is to be sent to the Osu borstal home and to reappear on August 26, 2004.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Matilda Tetteh told the court presided over by Nana Agyeman Badu that on July 7, 2004, at about 0930 hours, the victim who is a pupil in a basic school was returning home after attending nature's call at a public toilet at Ashaiman Newtown. She said the accused met the victim on her way, lured her to his room, locked the door, forcibly removed her panties and had sex with her. The victim shouted for help, but the accused brothers who were then in the house never rescued her, till he satisfied himself.

Inspector Tetteh said after the act, the accused opened the door and the victim managed to get home and informed her mother who reported the case to the police.

She was given a medical form to attend hospital for treatment, and the accused was arrested. Initially, he confessed before his brothers and the victim's mother, but later denied in his statement.