Driver's mate jailed for defiling four-year-old child

Accra, Aug. 28, GNA - An 18-year-old driver's mate who defiled a four-year-old child was on Thursday sentenced to eight years' in prison in hard labour by an Accra Circuit court. Mohammed Yusif, who pleaded not guilty, asked the court to temper justice with mercy and give him the minimum sentence with a loud cry, saying, "My Lord forgive me and have mercy on me!" The court, presided over by Mrs Georgina Mensah-Dasta sentenced him to eight years in prison with hard labour. The facts of the case as presented by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) George Abavelim are that the victim, aged four years had been going to the Kaneshie market with her mother who sells foodstuffs at the Kaneshie "tro-tro" station where Yusif also works. ASP Abavelim said at about 1630 hours on May 22, the victim fell asleep and her mother put her to bed in a store close to her. He said Yusif came to repair his mobile phone nearby and upon seeing the victim sleeping alone he defiled her. Luck was, however, not on the side of Yusif as he was spotted by a passer-by who raised the alarm and he was arrested.