Kumasi, Nov 6, GNA - A 34-year-old clerk, Simon Akil, who is standing trial before a Kumasi Circuit Court for obstructing and assaulting Policemen, pleaded with it to deal leniently with him since he committed the offence under the influence of alcohol.

"My Lord, the Alomo bitters alcoholic drink I took that night, forced me to battle the men whom I did not recognise as Policemen," he said.

Akil pleaded guilty and was remanded to re-appear on November 10. Chief Inspector Dassana T. Alhassan told the court that while on night patrol on November 3 personnel from the Striking Force saw a motorcyclist riding without a helmet and signalled him to stop. The Court was told that no sooner had he stopped than the accused appeared on the scene and questioned the Police about their right to arrest the motorcyclist.

Chief Inspector Alhassan said not even the explanation that the motorcyclist had no helmet on could convince Akil.

Akil engaged the Police in a fierce struggle, apparently to free the motorcyclist and in the process tore the uniform of one of the Police personnel and assaulted the others.