Accra, Jan. 26, GNA - A 20-year-old mason, Stephen Gonu, who allegedly defiled a seven-year-old girl in her sleep on Wednesday appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.

Gonu charged with defilement was at a loss as to whether or not he defiled the victim.

He told the court that he only saw his semen spilled on the floor.

Gonu further told the court that he was 17 years and not 20 years because he had been asked by people to say that he was 20 years.

Following controversy over his age, the court presided over by Mrs Georgina Mensah-Datsa asked the Police to ascertain his age through medical examination.

It further asked parents of the accused to provide his birth certificate at the next adjourned date.

As a result, Gonu's plea was reserved by the court but remanded into Police custody to re-appear on February 2.

Prosecutor Police Inspector Anthony Afetsi told the court that the victim lived with her mother at Japan Motors, Ashalley Botwe in Accra.

He said Gonu lived in the vicinity and was a friend to the victim's brother.

On January 14, this year, the prosecutor said, at about 20.00 hours, Gonu went to collect his bicycle from his friend (victim's brother).

On reaching the house, Gonu did not see his friend but the victim's mother left the victim and her younger sister who were sleeping in a kiosk, in the care of the accused and went to take her bath.

The prosecutor said Gonu took advantage of the victim's mother's absence, sneaked into the kiosk and defiled the sleeping victim.

When victim's mother returned, she saw the accused sneaking out of the kiosk and suspected foul play. She, therefore, quickly examined the victim only to see some slippery liquid on her panty.

The victim's mother raised the alarm and accused was escorted to the Police station where the victim was also issued with a medical form so she could be examined and treated.

The prosecutor said the accused in his cautioned statement admitted the offence and, after investigations, charged.

PAF/MI

26 Jan. 11