Sheep thieves jailed 12 months

Kwesi Asuoh, a 45-year-old farmer at Anyansu near Frankadua, and his accomplice, Issa Gariba, 35, a chainsaw operator at Gbodokope Krobo  also near Frankadua in the Asuogyaman District, who jointly connived and stole a ram valued at GH¢50 belonging to one Daniel Owiredu were sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment in hard labour.

They both pleaded guilty to the charge and prayed the court for leniency .

The presiding judge, Asmah Akwasi Aseidu, in passing the sentence, said he took notice of the fact that stealing of goats, sheep and other domestic animals was on the increase at Frankadua and within its environs and the punishment should serve as a deterrent to the convicts and their likes.

The court ordered the police to hand over the retrieved ram to the rightful owner.

Narrating the facts to the Odumase Krobo Circuit Court, ASP Richmond Akwasi Yeboah said within a matter of two weeks, the complainant, Daniel Owiredu, lost two of his animals, hence he became alert.

The prosecutor said on April 26, 2014, the complainant woke up and found out that one of his big rams had been stolen.

He quickly sent information to other villages announcing the loss of his animal.

He said five days later, at about 4 a.m., Kwesi Asuoh met Issa Gariba at Gbodokope  junction and offered the  lost ram for him to  sell for him (Kwesi) at  the Juapong market. On  the way to the market, the police intercepted the vehicle conveying Gariba and asked of the owner of the goat.

According to the prosecutor, Gariba, sensing danger, came out of the car and took to his heels.

He was however given a hot chase and was arrested.

In his caution statement, Gariba mentioned Kwesi as the one who gave him the animal to sell for him at the Juapong market.

The prosecutor said Kwesi was arrested with the assistance of opinion leaders in Asugyaman.