The Asamankese circuit court has remanded in prison custody for three weeks, Charles Blankson, 32, charged with defiling his 10-year-old step-daughter. His plea was not taken. Police chief inspector S.A. Ntow said in May this year, the victim who lived with the accused at Akwatia fell seriously ill and rushed to the St Dominic?s hospital where she was admitted. He said while on admission in critical condition, the victim disclosed to both her paternal father and mother that Blankson defiled her twice within two weeks.

The father then reported the case to the police and was issued with medical forms on the victim?s behalf. Ntow said during interrogation, the girl confirmed her alleged defilement by the step-father and explained that on two occasions whilst asleep, she was awoken by some weight on her and when she opened her eyes, she saw the accused having sex with her.

The prosecution said Blankson usually warned her not to disclose it to anyone or he would sack her from the house. The victim, he said, out of fear, kept the matter to herself till she fell seriously sick. Blankson denied having had sex with the victim. The prosecution said four weeks after the incident the girl was still on admission and could not walk except by a wheel-chair.