Crime & Punishment of Thursday, 3 September 2015

Source: GNA

Unemployed jailed for defilement

An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a 20 year old unemployed to seven years imprisonment for defiling a 15 year old girl at Spintex in Accra.

Benjamin Mensah charged with defilement pleaded guilty and the court presided over by Ms. Patricia Quansah convicted him on his own plea.

The court noted that the accused person was a first offender and was unknown to the Police, adding that, under the law covering defilement consent was immaterial hence imposed the minimum sentence.

Prosecuting Detective Inspector J.B Asante said the complainant was the victim’s father while the victim is a caretaker at Frimpomaa Estate on the Spintex Road.

During the month of February last year, at about 08:00 am, the victim was on her way to fetch water when he saw Mensah standing in front of his gate and he called her.

According to prosecution, Mensah proposed to the victim in his room and she agreed. Mensah went ahead and had sex with the victim.

Prosecution said Mensah did not see the victim again until he saw the victim in May this year and Mensah invited the victim into his room and had sex with her again.

Information about the conduct of Mensah reached the victim's father after the victim had alerted him.

According to prosecution, Mensah therefore became scared to continue with the relationship. However on August 9, this year, at about 0800 hours, the victim visited Mensah and informed him that she had missed her menstruation period.

While there, the victim’s father went to Mensah’s house and he (victim’s father) heard Mensah and the victim “confessing” on the compound.

The victim’s father who became annoyed confronted Mensah and he caused Mensah’s arrest. The Police issued the victim with a medical form so the victim would be examined and treated.

Prosecution said Mensah in his caution statement admitted the offence.