Dormaa-Ahenkro, (B/A), Jan. 14, GNA - Kwaku Augustine, a miller at Aboabo Number Four near Dormaa-Ahenkro, who absconded for eight years after defiling a primary school girl has been grabbed and arraigned before the Dormaa Circuit Court.

The suspect allegedly bolted after the act in 2002 and returned this year thinking his long absence would naturally exonerate him from the crime. Augustine pleaded not guilty to the charge and the court presided over by Justice Isaac Bright Akwantey, remanded him in custody till January 21. Chief Inspector Matthew Yeboah told the court that the suspect operated a grinding mill at Aboabo Number Four and lived in the same vicinity as the victim.

He said in 2002 Augustine spotted the victim by his mill and requested her to buy iced water for him. The prosecution said when the girl returned, Augustine who had then moved from the mill to the doorstep of his bedroom, asked the girl to send the iced water into his bedroom.

Chief Inspector Yeboah added that the girl entered the room only to realize that Augustine had locked the door behind her. He said in an ensuing struggle Augustine forcibly had carnal knowledge of her and warned her not to mention the ordeal to anyone under any circumstance.

Chief Inspector Yeboah said three days later the girl's friend detected that blood oozed from her genitals and she immediately reported to the victim's mother.

A medical examination on her at the Presbyterian Hospital in Dormaa Ahenkro confirmed the girl's hymen was ruptured and her female organ penetrated with bruises.

The prosecution said Augustine was identified by the victim's mother this year on his return and was arrested.