Judge warns against undue delay in trial of cases

Cape Coast, Feb 08, GNA - Mr Mustapha Logoh, a circuit court judge, on Tuesday warned both defence counsels and prosecutors against the undue delay in the trail of cases "with frivolous excuses" for adjournments.

He said he would strike out cases after three adjournments if he finds the reasons given for such adjournments to be unnecessary. Mr Logoh issued the warning after a prosecutor and some defence counsels asked for adjournment of several cases that have been pending for between three and four years.

He asked prosecutors to endeavour to produce their witnesses in court to avoid more delays, and called on lawyers and their clients, to also ensure that they attend court, and on time. Mr Logoh remanded a 20-year-old tailor, Yaw Haruna, for defiling a 10-year old pupil. Haruna pleaded not guilty and would be re-arraigned on February 15.

Chief Inspector Reuben Kwaku Dzogbeti, prosecuting, told the court that on February 1, the accused went to the little girl's house in the evening and asked permission to send her.

Haruna followed the girl, caught up with her, and pulled her into a cocoa farm nearby, and sexually assaulted her.

He said the victim went back home crying and reported the incident.