Driver's mate fined GH¢ 360 for stealing two batteries

Kade, April 10, GNA - Bashiru Mumuni, a 20-year-old driver's mate, was on Friday, sentenced to a fine of GH¢ 360 by the Kade District Magistrate's Court for stealing two car batteries.

In default, Mumuni who pleaded guilty, would go to prison for nine months in hard labour.

Additionally, he was ordered to pay GH¢ 30 to the complainant for the inconvenience he caused him.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Francis Cobbina told the court presided by Mr Abdul Majid Iliasu, that on March 23 at about 2330 hours, Mohammed Adam, a driver, was returning to Asuom from Abompeh but ran out of fuel and parked the vehicle overnight.

When he returned the following day, however, he did not find his two batteries in the car so he tasked his friends to be on the lookout for any one who would be selling car batteries.

The prosecutor said Mumuni, after stealing the two batteries, washed them nicely and sent one to Asuom to sell but, unfortunately for him, the buyer asked him to call back later for his money.

The buyer then called the complainant who went to identify the battery and when Mumuni was, consequently, arrested the other battery was retrieved from him.

He admitted the theft in his caution statement to the Police but told the court that he saw someone removing the batteries but when he challenged him he fled, leaving the items behind, so he decided to take them away.

In his judgement, the Magistrate said Mumuni's explanation was unequivocal admission of the offence of stealing, adding that, he could have secured the batteries after the attempted theft.

Again, as a good citizen he could have reported to the Police, or even walked away.

GNA