Handkerchief trader jailed 20 years for robbery

An Accra Circuit Court on Wednesday sentenced Kwabena Boateng, 22-year-old trader, to 20 years imprisonment for robbery, unlawful entry and causing damage.

The accused went on a robbery expedition on February 9, 2013 at Neghelli Barracks at the 37 Military Hospital with the intent to use the proceeds to expand his business.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charges.

Mr Francis Obiri, the Presiding Judge before passing sentence asked him whether he has something to say and he responded by saying he went into the robbery because he needed money to expand his handkerchief business.

He said he threatened the complainant with the knife because she talks too much.

Mr Obiri said there was no justification for the convict to engage in robbery but his lawyers prayed the court to have mercy on the convict since he was young and had not been involved in any criminal activity before.

The Prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police Patrick A. Morkeh said the complainant is a Customer Care Officer with MTN and stays at Neghelli Barracks.

He said on February 9 at about 0930 hours the convict went to the Barracks and entered the complainant’s room holding a knife and threatened he would stab her if she shouted.

The convict took a Toshiba Laptop and an Ipad all valued at GHc 3,500 as well as Gh? 130.00 and $1.00 from the complainants room.

DSP Morkeh said the accused after taking the items took to his heels and tried to jump over a wall but was pulled down by the complainant.

He said the accused then used the laptop to hit the complainant’s head in an attempt to escape but was arrested by the complainant’s neighbours and handed him over to the police.

He said the items were retrieved from the accused with an amount of GH? 80.00 and $1.00.