Ho, June 25, GNA - A 23 year-old Ho based mechanic, who stole a pastor's personal belongings worth 18.1 million cedis has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.

Prosper Papa Goka pleaded not guilty to the stealing charge. Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kwame Osei told a Ho Circuit Court, presided over by Mr. Daniel Mensah that on April 23, this year, Goka, who resides in the same vicinity in Ho with the pastor forcibly entered the pastor's room after he (Pastor) had left for church.

He said Goka ransacked the room and made away with personal effects, including a television set. Mr. Osei said the pastor reported the theft to the Police and upon a tip-off Goka was sent to his girlfriend's house in Ho where the items were found.

He said during Police interrogation, Goka insisted that a friend, whom he refused to mention deposited some of the items with him, while the others were seized items from a driver he worked for. Mr. Osei said the Pastor identified the items as his.