Shopkeeper In Court For Sexually Assaulting Autistic Girl

A 34-year-old shopkeeper has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defiling an autistic 18-year-old girl at Awudome Estates in Accra.

Maxwell Mbawuli was charged but pleaded not guilty.

The court presided over by Mrs Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku admitted Mbawuli to bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 cedis with two sureties, to reappear on September 3.

Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Agnes Boafo said the victim in the matter was an autistic child residing with her mother at Awudome Estates, Accra.

ASP Boafo said Mbawuli has a shop adjacent the victim's mother's shop at Awudome Estates.

On August 1, this year, at about 4 pm, while the victim's mother was not at home, Mbawuli went to the house and had sexual intercourse with the victim.

Prosecution said when the victim's mother returned home at about 7 pm, the victim informed her about the accused's conduct.

The victim and her mother proceeded to the Police Station to lodge a complaint and a medical report form was then issued to the victim to seek medical attention.

When the accused was later arrested he denied the offence in his caution statement.