Court convicts businessman for assault

Akim Swedru (E/R), Dec. 15, GNA - Thomas Adarkwa Miller, a businessman who assaulted and attempted to extort 25 Ghana Cedis from Mr. Kwabena Nketia, a farmer, has been fined 300 Ghana Cedis by the Akim Swedru Circuit Court.

Miller also confiscated a chain saw machine belonging to the complainant and refused to co-operate with the police during investigations.

The convict pleaded not guilty to attempted extortion and assault, before the trial judge, Mr. Kofi Akrowiah.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Kwaku Appiah said at about 1430 hours on July 10, Mr. Nketia was carrying his chain saw machine from Akim Kotokuom to Ofoase, capital of the Akyemmansa District, to board a bus to Akim Oda, when Miller emerged from the bush, close to the Kotokuom cemetery and asked the complainant to give the machine to him.

Chief Inspector Appiah said when Mr. Nketia refused his request, the convict slapped him on his face.

He said Miller eventually snatched the machine and sent it to his house and when Mr. Nketia located his house to collect it, the convict demanded 25 Ghana Cedis before releasing it.

Mr. Nketia reported the matter to the assembly member for the area and the chairman of the Unit Committee. The prosecutor said when the two opinion leaders failed to convince Miller to surrender the machine, they made a report to the Ofoase police who managed to retrieve it from the convict and prosecuted him.