Sekondi, Oct. 1, GNA- A Sekondi Magistrate's Court on Wednesday sentenced Benjamin Nyarko, a security officer, to four years' imprisonment in hard labour when he was found guilty for causing unlawful damage, unlawful entry and stealing.

Maame Ama, a trader who was jointly charged with Nyarko, was fined one million cedis or, two years' imprisonment in hard labour. They pleaded guilty.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Ben Wonkyi said Nyarko and Ama who lived at Adiembra, near Sekondi were lovers. However, the relationship went sour, resulting in occasional attacks on each other. He said on September 18, this year, Nyarko agreed to a request from Miss Angela Arthur, a resident of Adiembra, that Ama should live with her on humanitarian grounds.

Inspector Wonkyi said Nyarko frequently visited Ama at Miss Arthur's house. During one of such visits on Sept. 21, while Arthur was out, the two hatched a plan to break into her room to steal. Inspector Wonkyi said Nyarko went away and came back few minutes later with a crowbar with which he destroyed the lock to the main door of Arthur's door after which he ransacked the bedroom while Ama stood outside watching.

He said the accused persons made away with four half pieces of wax prints, a cream relaxer and a radio/cassette player. Inspector Wonkyi said when Miss Arthur returned home, Ama was not in. She therefore reported the theft to the Police and after investigations Nyarko and Ama were arrested.