Footballer jailed for stealing

Accra, Aug. 18, GNA - A 21-year-old footballer who robbed a lady of her bag containing her mobile phone and other personal belongings after threatening her with a cutlass was on Monday sentenced to five years' imprisonment in hard labour by an Accra Circuit Court. Abdul Razak, aka Jimmy and Aziz, who was charged with robbery, pleaded guilty with explanation.

Giving his explanation, Razak admitted stealing the bag but denied holding a cutlass when the incident happened. The court after listening to Razak's explanation changed his charge to stealing and sentenced him to five years' imprisonment. The prosecution said sometime in April 2006, Ms Mavis Quaye was returning to her house at Nima in Accra from work at about 0100 hours when she was attacked by Razak who emerged from a dark corner wielding a cutlass.

He forcibly took Ms Quaye's bag containing one Motorola phone valued GH¢ 14.00, one Nokia charger valued GH¢ 6 cedis, two necklaces worth GH¢ 30.00 and cash of GH¢ 13.00. The prosecutor said the complainant was able to identify Razak with the assistance of a bystander. She lodged a complaint at the Nima Police Station and Razak was traced to his hideout and arrested.