Akyem Swedru (E/R), Jan 23, GNA- The Akyem Swedru Circuit Court on Tuesday sentenced a 57- year-old farmer Kwadwo Baah, to 18 months imprisonment for stealing a quantity of tomatoes valued at 35,000 cedis from an ex-serviceman's farm.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Alice Appiakorang told the court presided over by Mr Edward Kwame Bosompem Apenkwah that the complainant, a 67-year-old ex-sergeant is the chief of Ogune community near Akyem Achiase in the Birim South District.

She said for sometime now, members of the community had been experiencing rampant theft of their farm produce and efforts to get the culprits proved futile.

On January 17 at about 1730 hours, the complainant decided to visit his tomatoes farm and on arrival found Baah busily harvesting the tomatoes.

He said the complainant quietly tiptoed to where the accused was and said "ayekoo" meaning well done.

The prosecutor said Baah attempted to run away but the complainant threatened to cut him with a cutlass if he attempts to do so. The complainant then shouted for help and one Yaw Johnson, who was also on his farm working emerged and assisted to arrest Baah.