Sekondi, March 27, GNA - A Sekondi District Magistrate's Court on Monday imposed a fine of 1.5 million cedis on Charles Hayford, an unemployed, for defrauding by false pretences. Hayford, who pleaded guilty, would serve 12 months in jail in hard labour if he fails to pay the fine.

The court also ordered the accused to refund 5.1 million cedis that he collected from the complainant, Emma Loveness Mensah. Prosecuting, Police Inspector Andam Okyere said last year, the complainant, an employee of Hotel de Ruco in Takoradi, had no accommodation and had to stay at the hotel for a whole year. He said the manager of the hotel asked the complainant to leave the hotel and stay in town.

Inspector Okyere said in September last year, the complainant met the accused who was staying at a family house at Effiakuma New Site and after discussing her problem with him, the accused promised to secure her a room at the family house.

He said on October 10 last year, the complainant paid 5.1 million cedis as rent deposit to the accused, who promised to make the room available in two weeks' time.

Inspector Okyere said the accused left the town after collecting the money without providing the accommodation. However, he was traced to his hideout in Takoradi and arrested. 27 March 06