Crime & Punishment of Monday, 11 April 2011

Source: GNA

Accused turns prosecution witness

Kade, April 11, GNA - Victor Kwadwo Boafo, a driver's mate charged with conspiring with a bank clerk to steal his master's GH¢800 from his accounts at the Akim Bosome Rural Bank has turned prosecution witness against the bank clerk Patrick Coomson. This was after he had pleaded guilty to all five counts of unlawful entry and stealing the bank passbook of his master, Mr Jacob Morrison Amesimeku, and conspiracy to steal and stealing GH¢800 from his accounts.

Boafo told the court that when he presented the passbook to Coomson, the bank counter clerk on January 21, 2011, he agreed to assist him to withdraw money from the bank. He said Coomson filled a form after Boafo had mentioned the amount he wanted to withdraw, that was GH¢300. Boafo said he thumb printed and he collected the money, took it home, met Coomson after he had closed from work and they shared the money equally.

He said he made a second withdrawal on February 10, 2011 of GH¢500 which they also shared equally. Days later, Coomson met and told him that the deal had leaked and pleaded with him not to mention his name when arrested. Cross examined by counsel for Coomson, Boafo said when he was invited to the office of the manager of the Bank he did not mention Coomson.

Again at the police station in a statement on caution he did not mention Coomson as being involved in the withdrawals. Also when he was arraigned for stealing he did not mention Coomson's involvement. Boafo is in prison custody while Coomson is on GH¢2,000 bail with two sureties. The court sits again on April 12.