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A 39-year-old carpenter has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling his ex-lover’s nine-year-old daughter at Yareyeya, a community in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, Ghana.
The man, who pleaded guilty with an explanation, was convicted by the Tarkwa Circuit Court, presided over by Mrs Hathia Ama Manu.
During his plea, he claimed he was under the influence of alcohol and pleaded with the judge to temper justice with mercy.
Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector David Owusu stated that the complainant, a 34-year-old mother of the victim, lived in Yareyeya, where the convict also resided.
According to reports, “the complainant left for the farm, leaving the victim alone at home. The convict took advantage of her absence, lured the victim into his room, and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her.”
While the act was ongoing, the victim cried out in pain. A witness heard her cries, rushed to the scene, and caught him in the act.
Out of fear of being punished, the victim initially remained silent. However, she confided in her mother, who confronted him. He admitted the offence and pleaded for forgiveness.
The complainant then reported the matter to a police officer who was nearby. The officer arrested him and handed him over to the Western Regional Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) office in Tarkwa, where an official complaint was lodged.
A police medical form was issued, and the victim was taken to the Apinto Government Hospital for examination and treatment.
The medical report, duly endorsed by a medical officer, confirmed that the victim had been defiled.
