Two young men from Asankragwa in the Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region have been sentenced to a total of 17 years imprisonment in hard labour by the Tarkwa Circuit Court for defiling a 13-year-old primary four pupil.

The two pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit crime, attempting to defile and defilement.

His Honour Emmanuel Bart-Plange Brew who presided over the matter, did not hesitate in passing sentence on them.

Adarkwa was given a 10-year jail term whiles Arthur was convicted to 7 years imprisonment.

The two, who are companions and 18 years of age each were recently jailed by the same court for a similar offence.

Chief Inspector Faustina Celestina Anaman, prosecuting, told the court that Adarkwa is an employee under the Youth Employment model with the Forestry Services Department while Arthur is a rickshaw rider all in Asankragwa.

She said the convicts live under similar tenancies but in different apartments at Asankragwa.

The Prosecution said, Adarkwa's younger sister is a mate to the victim and both are in the same class.

She said on May 17, 2019, the Adarkwa’s sister promised to give the victim some mango fruits.

Chief Inspector Anaman said on the same day at about 1530 hours the victim went to her for the fruits but met her absence.

The prosecution said Adarkwa met the victim and as courtesy demands, offered her a chair so that she could wait for his sister, but she declined.

When the victim was leaving Adarkwa followed her closely and dragged her into Arthur's room where he sexually assaulted her.

After the act, Arthur also attempted to have sex with the victim but the Police chanced on them and found him on top of the victim while she was in tears.

She said Adarkwa and Arthur were already on the police wanted list on a similar offence they had committed.

Chief Inspector Anaman said the two were therefore arrested and the victim was assisted by the officers to lodge a complaint at the Asankragwa Police station.