Crime & Punishment of Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Source: GNA

Two in court for assaulting lady co-tenant

Accra, Feb. 11, GNA - Two pastors on Wednesday appeared before an Accra circuit court for beating and causing harm to a lady co-tenant. Robert Larbie, 39, a carpenter and pastor and Jonathan Hammond Laryea, 27, a student pastor, pleaded not guilty. The court, presided over by Mrs Ivy Heward-Mills remanded them into police custody to reappear on February 16. Larbie explained to the court that, they behaved that way because the complainant, Agnes Amuzu, insulted them but the court rejected his explanation.

Chief Inspector Mary Adika said in December last y ear, Larbie had a confrontation with Agnes who was on her way to take her bath and passed through their church premises.

Chief Inspector Adika said Larbie became offended and assaulted Agnes who made a report to the police. When the police invited Larbie for questioning he refused to honour the invitation.

On January 10, this year, Agnes saw an elderly woman carrying a luggage at Shiabu-Dansoman, where the two accused persons were, and she went to help her. On seeing Agnes, Laryea attacked her and beat her without provocation until she got injured. Laryea took to his heels but he was arrested by neighbours around. In the process Agnes lost her cell phone valued at GH¢150 cedis and GH¢100 cash which was on her.