Crime & Punishment of Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Source: GNA

Chainsaw operator in custody for stealing goats

Asamankese, Feb 10. GNA- Kwaku Asare, a chainsaw operator, has been remanded in prison custody by the Asamankese Circuit Court, for stealing four goats at three different places on a single night. Asare, who pleaded not guilty, would re-appear on February 16.

Police Chief Inspector Kate Ogyiri, prosecuting, told the court that Asare, on January 05, at about 0015 hours, at Osenase, Asare, with a large travelling bag, stopped a passenger truck with the aim of boarding it to Accra. She said while the load was being carried onto the vehicle, a passenger and a subsequent witness in the case, became suspicious and asked the driver's mate to inspect the travelling bag to know what it contained.

The prosecutor said on hearing that, Asare abandoned the bag and took to his heels. When the bag was inspected, it was found to contain three dead she-goats and a he-goat. A report was made to the police at Osenase and Asare was traced to his room, but on hearing about the presence of the police, he attempted to escape through the window but was arrested. At the police station, the owners of the animals came to identify them.