Court orders mental examination of suspected robber
An Accra Circuit Court on Monday ordered an accused who was almost lynched, to be sent to the Psychiatric hospital for medical examination and assessment.
Kwabena Ayittey, unemployed, who has stitches on his head and looked very weak, pleaded guilty to robbery and causing unlawful harm when the charges were read to him.
Mrs Ruby Naa Aryeetey, the Presiding Judge, upon assessing his demeanour directed that the accused be sent to a Psychiatric hospital for a mental assessment.
She adjourned the case to May 17.
Police Chief Inspector William Kojo Boateng, told the Court that Madam Martha Addo, the complainant is a Power Distribution Service pre-paid vendor and has her shop located in a storey building near Jamestown in Accra.
He said Ayittey has no fixed place of abode.
The Prosecution said on April 19, at about 1430 hours, Ayittey armed with a knife went to the complainant’s shop, pointed it at her and warned her that he would kill her if she raises an alarm.
Chief Inspector Boateng said Ayittey then asked her to hand over all moneys in her possession.
The prosecution said the complainant resisted, so he stabbed her on the head, neck, left palm, right thumb, chin and jaw.
Mr Boateng said after inflicting the wounds on the complainant, he opened her drawer and collected an amount of GH¢3,524.00 and kept it in a bag he found at the shop.
He said the complainant, who was then bleeding profusely, managed to run downstairs and raised an alarm which attracted sympathizers.
The prosecution said she was then rushed to the hospital.
He said luck eluded Ayittey who was still at the shop, as a mob pounced on him and subjected him to severe beatings.
He said they were about to be set him ablaze when the police came to his rescue.
Chief Inspector Boateng said, Ayittey was sent to the Police hospital in an unconscious state where he was admitted and discharged two days after.
He said in his cautioned statement, the accused person admitted the offences and mentioned his accomplices who have not yet been traced.
He said after investigation, Ayittey was charged and put before court.
Source: GNA