Mason remanded over attempted arson
A 48-year-old mason, who attempted to set ablaze a room at Tanoso, in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti Region, has been remanded in prison custody by the Asante Akropong Circuit Court.
Robert Benjamin Okyere pleaded not guilty to causing harm and damage, and would reappear before court on November 7.
Police Chief Inspector, Ruth Gborson, prosecuting, told the court, presided by Nana Adwoa Serwaa Dua-Adonteng, that the complainant, Agnes Obour, a seamstress, at Tanoso, was the girlfriend of Okyere.
The court heard that last year, the complainant demanded money from Okyere to rent a room for their two grown-up children since they could no longer sleep in the same single room with them.
Chief Insp Gborson revealed that Okyere refused the request and as a result, he was denied sex by the girlfriend.
The court heard that consequently, Okeyere went to stay with another woman at Asuoyeboa, a nearby community.
Chief Insp Gborson disclosed that when complainant went to Okyere to demand money for the up keep of their children, he (Okeyere) became angry, and insulted and assaulted the complainant.
The prosecution said Obour lodged a complaint at the Abuakwa police, and when accused was invited, he failed to honour the invitation and rather went into hiding.
Chief Insp Gborson told the court that the complainant saw smoke in the room and also scented petrol.
The court heard that when Obour looked through the window, she saw Okyere processing petrol and attempting to set the room ablaze.
The court heard that Obour alerted the children and they all escaped, and in the process suffered injuries.
Moreover, Chief Insp Gborson revealed that the complainant and the children were rushed to the Abuakwa Government hospital, and a report was made to the police.
The prosecution said when accused was arrested, he denied attempting to set the room ablaz —GNA
