Regional News of Friday, 22 July 2011

Source: GNA

Judge advice Ghanaians not to take law into their hands

Akim Oda (E/R) July 22, GNA – Mr Albert Owusu Annor, Akim Oda Magistrate’s Court in the Birim Central Municipality has advised the citizenry to refrain from physical assault at the least provocation since it can result in imprisonment.

He gave the advice when he imposed a fine of GH¢ 150 on David Ocloo, a farmer who pleaded guilty for assaulting Madam Akosua Asiamah, his partner.

The convict was also ordered by the court to pay GH¢ 400 to compensate the victim or serve 18 months imprisonment in hard labour in default.

Prosecuting Police Inspector Kwaku Appiah said Ocloo and Madam Asiamah were partners living at Akim Achiase with their four-year-old daughter.

On June 26, the complainant informed Ocloo about her expired National Health Insurance Scheme card and he promised her money to renew it.

Inspector Appiah, said at about 2205 hours on that same day, Madam Asiamah went to Ocloo’s house for the money and there she met a girl in his room leading to an exchange of words between the two partners.

He said the convict slapped Madam Asiamah compelling the complainant to report the incident to court, where she was issued with a medical report form to attend hospital, while Ocloo was arrested and charged with the offence.

During interrogation Ocloo claimed that Madam Asiamah held his genital organs and so he had to slap her in self defence.