Awutu Breku (C/R), Feb. 13, GNA - A district magistrate court at Awutu Bereku, has sentenced two Liberian refugees, resident at Gomoa Buduburam to 18 months each in hard labour for stealing two lorry tyres, the property of UNHCR.

They are James Wolo 28, and Joseph David 21.

They pleaded guilt with explanation.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Helena Aidoo told the court presided over by Mr Charles Adjei-Wilson that, on January 21, 2006 at about 12:00 hours, the two managed and removed the tyres from a tractor belonging to the UNHCR at Buduburam and offered one for sale to a local 'vulganiser' who suspected the deal and alerted the police for their arrest.

A search conducted by the police led to the discovery of the other tyre hidden in the room of James, who explained that the tyres belonged to one Romeo also a refugee now at large.

The judge, Mr Adjei Wilson expressed concern about the rampant stealing of mobile phones, violent robbery and other acts of indiscipline on the part of the refugees at Buduburam, and warned that future offenders would be dealt with drastically without favour.