Akim Swedru, Jan.1, GNA - Stephen Ayensu, former Headmaster of the Akyem State College at Akim Oda, has been sentenced to 24 months imprisonment in hard labour by the Akim Swedru Circuit Court for stealing.

The convict pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution told the Court, presided over by Mr George Kingsley Koomson that in January 2002, the bursar of the School, Nana Yaw Asare Djikunu travelled and entrusted the collection of school fees to Ayensu.

The convict collected 6.8 million cedis from students without issuing them with official receipts.

The prosecution said when the convict was confronted, he pleaded for forgiveness and gave an undertaking that he would refund the money later but failed to honour his promise.

In passing sentence, Mr Koomson said even though he took into consideration the fact that the convict was a first offender, he had also given regard to the fact that the amount involved had not yet been refunded to the school.

He said the convict, being an Educationist, should have known that his conduct could have affected the students whose fees he embezzled. Mr Koomson said teachers were supposed to be the foundation of moral integrity.

Giving his defence, Ayensu said he gave the undertaking under duress and would refund the money after serving his sentence.