A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in hard labour for defilement by the Tema circuit court ‘A’ judge.
Narrating the details of the incident to the court, the prosecution said the complainant is a trader and mother of the 5-year-old victim, name withheld.
The accused, Believe Bedzo, is a 19-year-old sales assistant. All are co-tenants residing at Sege in Ada.
Prosecution said sometime in January 2020, the victim returned home after defecating in a nearby bush and complained of pains in the private part. The complainant then inspected the victim and detected bruises at her private part.
During questioning, the victim could not disclose her ordeal. The prosecutor said on July 2, 2021, at about 9 a.m., the victim as usual went to defecate in a nearby bush near the accused room and did not return.
After some time, the complainant went out in search of the victim and saw her coming out from the accused room. The complainant became suspicious and upon inspection of the victim’s private part, detected fresh bruises at the victim’s private part.
After persistent questioning, the victim disclosed that, after defecating, the accused lured her to his room and had sexual intercourse with her. The victim added that the accused had had sexual intercourse with her on numerous occasions.
A report was made to the police by the complainant and a medical report form was issued to the complainant to send the victim to the hospital for examination which was returned duly endorsed by a medical officer.
The Prosecutor said on December 20, 2020, the accused who bolted after the incident resurfaced and intelligence led to his arrest. The prosecution added that an investigation caution statement was obtained from the accused and he admitted the offence.
The prosecution said after investigations, the accused was charged with the offence of defilement and put before court. While in court, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After several pieces of evidence levelled against him during trial, the accused was found guilty and sentenced to a term of 15 years in hard labour.
By: Mercy Nimo.
