Court jails robbers 75 years

An Accra Circuit Court on Monday handed a total of 75 years jail term to one Kwabena Badu and Sampson Sam for robbery and conspiracy to commit crime.

Kwabena, a bicycle repairer and Sampson an alcoholic beverage vendor were all sentenced to 35 years each for robbery and 15 years for conspiracy to commit crime. The sentences will run concurrently.

The two pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Presiding judge of the court, Mr. Francis Obiri delivering his judgment said he had observed the behaviour of the accused persons and realised they were not remorseful.

He advised that young people of today must be advised to refrain from robbery.

Mr. Obiri said the complainant a taxi driver, was on October 16, 2012, hired by the accused person from Osu to Israel.

He said on their way as they got to Achimota, Sampson pulled out a locally manufactured pistol, while Kwabena grabbed the complainants neck, pulled him out and took the taxi and drove off towards Koforidua.

Mr. Obiri said on reaching Aburi, they were stopped by the police, but they did not stop, instead drove off, and were chased by the police, but fled into the bush after abandoning the car.

The judge said they were later arrested in a bus on their way to Accra from Koforidua and in their cautioned statement, Kwabena said they usually snatched cars, which they  normally sell to a buyer in Kumasi.

Source: GNA