Winneba (C/R), Jan. 28, GNA - A Winneba Magistrate's Court has sentenced three persons to 48 months imprisonment in hard labour for stealing 600 Ghana cedis belonging to a trader at Winneba Junction. Nathaniel Nyarko 38, a trader from Volta Region, Akwesi Akwe Ekwam 42, a driver from Gomoa Ekwamkrom and Adu Akwesi 20, a driver's mate from Dompim in the Western Region pleaded guilty. Nyarko and Ekwam were sentenced to 18 months imprisonment each, while Akwesi would serve 12 months.

Police Chief Inspector Paul Adamah, prosecuting told the court presided over by Mr Benjamin B. Attabra, that the complainant, Madam Ewura Ekuah was a trader at Winneba Junction. He said on December 23, 2008, at 1100 hours Ekwam driving a 207 Benz Bus with registration number AS 7464 N, with Nyarko and Akwesi on board, arrived at Winneba junction and packed near complainant who was frying yam. Chief Inspector Adam said, Nyarko later came down from the vehicle and approached the complainant with the intention of buying some of the yams.

According to the Prosecutor, Nyarko told the complainant that he wanted hot fried yams and while the complainant was heating it, Nyarko quickly picked the complainant's bag containing 600 Ghana cedis meant for the payment of some yams and oil, credited from some sellers the previous day, and a Nokia Mobile phone. The prosecution said Nyarko suddenly got onto the vehicle and Ekwam sped off, but the complainant raised the alarm, where she some sympathizers chased them with a taxi and arrested them at Gomoa Potsin Junction.

Prosecution said when Nyarko was later searched an amount of 245 Ghana Cedis and the phone were found on him. They were however handed over to the Winneba police and charged with the offence.