Evangelist fingers 8-year-old girl

A 50-year-old Michael Asirifi, an evangelist, has been put before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly inserting his fingers into the private part of an eight-year-old daughter of his tenant.

The accused person was arraigned before a court presided over by Ms Sedina Agbemava and charged with indecent assault.

He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of GHc800 with two sureties while the case has been adjourned to August 28, 2013.

The prosecuting officer, who presented the facts of the case, Police Inspector Veronica R. Ofei, said the complainant, Grace Kolibea, is a ward assistant living in La, a suburb of Accra and the victim is her daughter.

According to the accused person, Michael Asirifi is an engineer and a landlord to the complainant.

The police officer said on October 6, 2010 at about 12:30pm, the victim was playing with her friends when the accused called her into his room and sent her to go and buy some fried fish for him which she obliged.

Furthermore, she stated that the victim returned with the fried fish, the accused invited her into his room and put her on the carpet and pulled down her pant half way and inserted his fingers into her vagina and warned her not to tell the complainant.

The prosecutor noted that, On October 8, 2010, the victim felt sick and when the complainant questioned her that what was wrong with her, the victim narrated her ordeal.

In addition, she said on the same day at about 1:06pm, the complainant was issued with police medical form to send the victim for examination and treatment.

Explaining further, she stated that when the accused heard that a case had been reported against him, he quickly rented his room and went into hiding where nobody could trace him.

The detective said on July 19, 2013, the accused was spotted in a mechanic shop at La Accra and was arrested after investigation.

He was then charged with the offence and put before the court.