Kumasi, July 17, GNA - A young man, who allegedly set ablaze a shop belonging to his girl friend's mistress for asking him out of their house, has been remanded by a Kumasi Circuit Court. Prince Takyi Nketia, who was also charged for assaulting the said girl friend's mistress, pleaded not guilty to both charges and would reappear on August 8, 2008.

Briefing the Court, Police Chief Inspector Owusu Manu said Madam Adansi Fofie, the complainant and the owner of the burnt shop, lives at Kronom in Kumasi and had employed the 15-year-old girl as her house help. The Court presided over by Mr Adjei Frimpong heard that on February 14, 2007 at about 1700 hours, the Complainant who saw the accused in her kitchen while the house help was cooking, asked him to leave immediately.

The accused angered by the complainant's action, insulted and assaulted her and threatened mayhem on her house. The prosecution said true to his word, the accused came back to the house at about 2300 hours, this time with a bottle of kerosene and a box of matches, set ablaze the complainant's shop located at the frontage of her house.

Chief Inspector Owusu Manu said all items in the shop including quantities of milk, Milo, sugar, bars of soap, among other items, got burnt to ashes after which he (accused) went into hiding until he was spotted and arrested on February 1, 2008. Accused who admitted the offence in his caution statement was charged and arraigned. 17 July 08