Half-Assini Magistrate’s court in the Western Region has fined Atsu Bakawo, 27, from Tikobo Number Two GHC600 for stealing a sheep.

Bakawo who pleaded guilty to stealing would in default serve nine months imprisonment in hard labour.

The court presided over by Mr Abdul Majid Illiasu ordered him to compensate the complainant with GH? 200 for the inconvenience he caused him.

His accomplice, Shaibu Mumuni, 28, a butcher, who was charged for dishonestly receiving is at large.

Police Chief Inspector, Emmanuel Osei Kumi, in prosecution said the complainant, Mr Amadu Issifu, is a farmer while the convict is a motorbike mechanic.

He said about 0440 hours on Sunday July 27 2014, the complainant was in his room and heard the bleating of his ewe in its pen and came out to see what was happening only to notice that it has been stolen.

The prosecutor said complainant's investigation led him to nearby Aiyinasi town where he found the sheep but was told it belongs to the butcher.

He said the complainant made a report to Aiyinasi Police who arrested Mumuni. According to the Prosecutor during interrogation Mumuni mentioned the Bakawo as the one who sold the sheep to him.

He said the convict who escaped from the grips of the police was arrested at the Elubo border where he stole a motorbike.