Mamponteng (Ash), March 17, GNA - A kente-weaver, who allegedly bit off and chewed his rival's finger at Asonomaso in the Kwabre district on March 3, this year, has been arraigned at the Mamponteng district court. Kwame Opoku, 36, pleaded not guilty to assault when he appeared before the court on Wednesday and was granted bail in the sum of two million cedis with a surety to justify.

He will re-appear on April 14.

Prosecuting, Police Detective Chief Inspector George Emmanuel Mensah, told the court, presided over by Mr Uuter Dery, that the accused had been married to one Maggie, with whom he has two children, until recently when their relationship crumbled as a result of a disagreement between them.

Chief Inspector Mensah said following the strained relationship between the couple, one Okyere Ampadu, who is the complainant, proposed to Maggie to which she agreed.

The prosecutor said this development incurred the displeasure of the accused, who warned the complainant to stay off his wife. The court heard that the complainant ignored the warning and continued to see Maggie.

C/Insp Mensah said on March 3, this year, the accused met Ampadu at Asonomaso and without any provocation, assaulted him and bit off the middle finger of his left hand, which he chewed it to the amazement of onlookers.

He said some neighbours who went to the rescue of the complainant took him to the hospital.