Sekondi, Sept. 6, GNA - A Sekondi District Magistrate's Court on Monday sentenced an ex-convict to six years imprisonment in hard labour for stealing two sheep.

Isaac Essel, 28, who completed an 18-month prison sentence this year for stealing, pleaded guilty to stealing two sheep at Apowa, near Takoradi.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Joe Hedidor told the court that following a tip-off, two policemen on duty at the Apremdo barrier on August 1, that a sheep had been concealed in a wooden box. The informant told Sergeants I. Y. Ahmadiya and Issah T. Allanda that the stolen sheep had been concealed in a wooden box and put in a bus with a registration number WR 1022 P.

A few minutes later, the vehicle, a mini urvan bus arrived at the barrier and when checked, the wooden box containing the sheep was found. Inspector Hedidor said Essel claimed ownership of the box and said it contained cassava.

When it was opened, a live sheep was found in it. While investigations were ongoing, Essel was again arrested on August 20 with another sheep in Takoradi and when questioned, he could not give any tangible reason.