Marwako case: Prosecution to furnish defence with statements
The Abeka District Court has ordered prosecution to furnish Defence Counsel in the Marwako Restaurant assault case with documents they intend to rely on in the trial.
The documents are the victim’s statement, investigation caution statement and charge statement of the accused.
The court explained that the grant of the application by the Defence led by Mr Augustine Asafo Adjei was based on the innovations adopted by other countries in criminal matters.
The Defence Counsel on March 22, this year filed an application on notice for prosecution to release documents they intend to rely on for trial in order to avert springing surprises on them.
According to Mr. Asarfo-Adjei documents of prosecution including the statement of the victim would enable him conduct an effective cross-examination.
The Defence Counsel said if he was not furnished with those documents it would be difficult for him to proceed with the cross examination of the victim, Evelyn Boakye, a worker of the restaurant.
The Defence Counsel therefore prayed the Court for such an order to the prosecution.
The court adjourned the matter for prosecution to respond to the application only for it to say that it “leave the matter to the court.”
Jihad Chaaban, a Lebanese Supervisor at Marwako Restaurant, was put before the court for allegedly manhandling a female waitress of the restaurant.
Chaaban aged 26, was charged with offensive conduct by calling the victim a prostitute, intentionally and unlawfully causing harm and assault.
Chaaban has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He was on February 28, this year, alleged to have assaulted the victim Evelyn Boakye for fidgeting with a blender and working slowly.
Chaaban, a brother –in-law of the owner of Marwako Restaurant at Abelemkpe branch allegedly grabbed the neck of the victim angrily and dipped her face into a blended pepper which poured on the table.
The matter has been adjourned to Thursday March 30 by the court presided over by Ms Victoria Ghansah.
Source: GNA