Farmer jailed for defilement

Accra, Sept. 28, GNA - An Accra Circuit Tribunal on Tuesday sentenced Isaac Kofi Acheampong, a 19-year-old farmer, to 10 years' imprisonment in hard labour for defiling a 15-year-old girl.

The tribunal, chaired by Mrs Elizabeth Anderson-Yeboah, ordered that the convict be tested for HIV/STD. Acheampong pleaded not guilty to defilement. In his explanation, the convict said it was the victim who gave herself to him and did not, therefore, sexually assault her.

A medical report showed to the tribunal was consistent with the charge of defilement. Police Inspector Alex Yartey Tawiah said the victim lives with her parents at Haatso in Accra in the same house with the accused.

He said on September 18, this year, the parents sent the victim and her sister to weed their beans farm close to the house and Acheampong offered to join them. He sent the victim's sister to buy food for him.

He then tied the victim's hands, covered her head and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her. The prosecutor said the victim later reported the matter to her father who also made a report to the Kwabenya Police.

A medical form was issued to her to attend hospital and Acheampong was subsequently arrested.