Accra, Sept. 14, GNA - Kofi Francis, a convict serving eight-year jail term for defilement, on Monday prayed an Accra High Court for mercy and reduce his sentence because he was suffering in jail. Francis, believed to be in his early 20's, told the court that after serving one year-and-nine-months in jail, he has learnt his lesson.

The convict, who was without a lawyer, said: "I am suffering in prison; I will not do that again. I have learnt a lot of lessons from the offence which took me to jail."

The court presided over by Mr. Justice Charles Quist intimated to him that under the law, the least jail term meted out to convicts for defilement was seven years.

"What do you want me to do for you?" the judge asked. Francis replied: "Please help me because I am suffering in prison."

The judge ruled that since Francis appealed against his conviction, he would reduce his sentence to seven years. Francis who was dressed in white and red T-shirt, a pair of black shorts and a pair of bathroom sandals (Charlie wote) to match, had his hands folded behind him while speaking. He joyously thanked the judge for the act of mercy.