Student, 16, remanded for defilement

Mankranso, (Ash), Sept. 13, GNA - A 16-year-old junior high school student at Abesewa in the Ahafo Ano South District of Ashanti, who bolted to Tarkwa in the Western Region, after putting his school-mate girlfriend in the family way has been remanded by a magistrate's court at Mankranso.

The minor, who was said to have bolted out of fright after realising that his girl friend of the same age had become pregnant, is now facing a charge of defilement. His plea was not taken and he will reappear before the court presided over by Mr Frank Owusu-Afriyie on September 25. Police Inspector Abraham Agyei Mensah, told the court that, the minor proposed love to the girl last year during a soccer match in the town.

He said the girl initially declined, but upon persistent pressure she agreed to the proposal and they began having secret sexual relationships.

According to the prosecution, about six months ago, the girl became pregnant and informed the suspect but sensing danger, he escaped to Tarkwa in the Western Region.

Inspector Mensah said the girl informed her parents who reported the matter to the police at Mankranso. He said the suspect was later arrested from his hideout and during interrogation he admitted responsibility for the pregnancy. 13 Sept. 07