Man gets 15 years for attempting to snatch motorcycle

The Asante Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced a 19-year-old man to 15 years imprisonment in hard labour for attempting to snatch a motorcycle.

Daniel Botwe was also sentenced to five years imprisonment for stabbing Isaac Mensah, the complainant, and both sentences are, however, to run concurrently.

Botwe pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and causing harm unlawfully.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Ofori told the Court, presided over by Mr Mark Tair-ima Diboro, that the complainant was a commercial motorcycle (okada) rider whereas Botwe was an illegal miner (galamseyer), resident at Mile 15, near Jacobu, in Asante Bekwai.

He said Botwe hired the services of Mensah from Mile 15 to Agyeikrom, near Jacobu.

As they were travelling on the victim’s unregistered Apsonic Fletch motorcycle, the convict engaged the rider in a conversation.

Chief Insp Ofori said on reaching Agyeikrom Junction, the convict stabbed the complainant at the back in an attempt to rob him of the motorcycle, but they both fell.

Prosecution said Botwe took to his heels while Mensah with the knife stuck at his back, chased him on the motorcycle in an attempt to overpower Botwe, but Botwe hid in a nearby bush.

Chief Insp Ofori said the victim run to Fenase Junction and raised the alarm and a search party was organised for the convict’s arrest, as the victim was rushed to the Obuase Government Hospital, where he was treated and discharged.

Chief Insp Ofori said the convict was arrested and handed over to the Unit Committee Chairman of Ankaako, near Jacobu, who reported the incident to the police. – GNA