Crime & Punishment of Thursday, 7 July 2005

Source: GNA

Ex-convict gets another two years for fraud

Twifo Praso (C/R) July 7, GNA--- Kwabena Antwi, an escapee ex-convict from Awutu Bereku Prisons was on Wednesday given an additional 24 months sentence when he was found guilty for fraud in another case by Twifo Praso district magistrate court at Praso.

The court, presided over by Mr Joseph Blay also ordered the convict to pay restitution of 37 million cedis to madam Ekua Ayisha a Twifo Praso trader or in default serve additional term of 24 months in prison. He pleaded guilty to fraud but denied the amount involved saying it was only 11 million and not 37 million cedis as it was being alleged. Antwi also said he had paid three million cedis out of the amount. Prosecuting Chief Inspector George Okine, told the court that on March 3, the convict who was serving a two-year jail term at Awutu Bereku prisons for stealing, and had escaped, approached Madam Ayisha and pleaded with her to supply him 45 bags of maize and 40 bags of gari valued at 37 million cedis.

Chief inspector Okine said Antwi promised to pay back the money after selling the items to Fosu Teachers training College but he disappeared after collecting the items. Prosecution said madam Ayisha reported the case to the police and upon a tip off the convict was arrested in his hideout at Assin Bereku on June 18.