|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The 22-year-old young man who was previously accused of murdering a Kumasi businesswoman at Apaaso near Sokoban in the Ashanti Region has been convicted again by another court for theft.
John Alister who appeared before the Asokwa Circuit Court on Monday (2 October 2023) has pleaded guilty to two counts of stealing.
Brief facts
Prosecuting ASP Stephen Ofori said the suspect was employed as a hotel receptionist at Bantama in Kumasi in 2022, following an advert. After a month, the suspect abandoned work but returned in July and was pardoned and allowed to start work due to his previous working relationship with his employer.
On the 6th of August 2023, the complainant gave her Infinix Note 8 mobile phone to the accused person and asked him to do some settings for her. He however took advantage of that and bolted with the phone.
He went ahead to withdraw an amount of 167,660.09 from the complainant’s ABSA Bank account, using a mobile app, the court heard.
An official complaint was reported to the police for investigation and the accused person was arrested from his hideout in Accra. The suspect admitted to committing the crime in his caution statement.
Suspect begs court
The suspect pleaded guilty to the charges but pleaded with the court for a lenient sentence.
“I am guilty of all the charges levelled against me, but I plead with the court for leniency”, Alister told the court shortly after his plea was taken.
The prosecutor however prayed the court for a stiffer punishment labelling him a “questionable character” as he was facing another case of murder following the death of Kumasi businesswoman Stella Osei.
“This verdict would serve as a deterrent”, the prosecution prayed to the court.
Court’s verdict
The court presided over by Her Honour Vida Achiaa Yeboah convicted the accused but deferred the case to Friday, 6 October 2023, for sentencing.
She also reminded the suspect to make arrangements to refund the amount as she prepares to deliver her verdict.
Alister is expected to make a second appearance at the Asokore Mampong District Court on 3 October 2023, where he faces a provisional charge of murder for allegedly stabbing his boss, Madam Stella Osei to death.
