Driver's mate breaks down in court over million cedis fine

Cape Coast, Feb. 23, GNA - There was drama at a circuit court in Cape Coast on Wednesday, when Kwame Adama, an 18-year-old driver's mate, broke down and wept bitterly when a fine of one million cedis was imposed on him for stealing a bicycle.

Adama, who pleaded guilty to stealing the bicycle from Takoradi, had earlier, led the police on a 'wild goose chase', by deceiving them that he had bought the bike from Accra, and later, from Agona Swedru. Adama, who amidst tears, also pleaded with the court to deal leniently with him, would go to prison for eight months if he fails to pay the fine.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Hope Azasoo told the court, presided over by Mr Beresford Acquah that on February 18, an ex-police officer, was driving from Takoradi towards Accra and on reaching Duakor near the University of Cape Coast, spotted Adama riding a bicycle, and he (Adama) stopped the vehicle and asked to be given a lift to Accra. Inspector Amonoo said the ex-police officer, queried Adama as to how he came by the bicycle, but he told him that he had bought it from Accra, but that the receipt covering it, got destroyed when he washed his jeans trousers in which he had kept it.

He was therefore, arrested and sent to the police station where during interrogation, he also told the police that he bought the bicycle from Accra, but later said he had purchased it at Agona Swedru.