A 20-year old fisherman, Kwaku Nketsia alias Akosika, from Saltpond in the Mfantsiman district of the Central region was on Monday remanded into prison custody for allegedly defiling a twelve year old pupil.

He pleaded not guilty to defilement when he appeared before a Circuit Court in Cape Coast presided over by, Mrs. Florence Kai Otu. He will be re-arraigned on Monday, May 14.

Chief Inspector Francis Ockom, prosecuting, told the court that Nketsia resides in the same vicinity with the victim at Saltpond-Ankaful.

He said last Saturday April 21, at about 21.00hrs, the father of the girl left her at home to attend a wake-keeping in the neighbourhood.

According to the Prosecutor, Nketsia met the girl outside her home and lured her into his room where he had sexual intercourse with her and warned her to keep it a secret.

Three days after the incident, the girl, who could no longer cope with the situation, called her parents at dawn and told them about how Nketsia lured and sexually molested her in his room, the prosecution further alleged.

Chief Inspector Ockom said, a report was made to the Police at Saltpond leading to Nketsia’s arrest and the case was referred to the Domestic Violence and Victims’ Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Cape Coast where the victim was asked to seek medical attention.

Nketsia allegedly, admitted the offence in his caution statement to the Police with the excuse that, he was drunk and pleaded with the family of the victim for amicable settlement but they refused.**