A 24-year-old farmer, Kordzo Azalekor, has been sentenced to seven years in prison by the Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court for defiling a 13-year-old girl at Dormeliam, a farming community near Akuse in the Eastern Region.
Azalekor, who also works as a commercial motorbike rider, was convicted on the charge of defilement, contrary to Section 101(2) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended by Act 554.
According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector John Brahene, the incident occurred on October 3, 2024, at about 8:30 p.m.
The victim’s father, Kofi Adzika, reported that the accused had returned from work and parked his motorbike at the compound of his motorcycle owner, where the victim and her family lived.
Shortly after, the girl stepped out, claiming she was going to ease herself. Her mother, who grew suspicious, followed her and discovered Azalekor and the minor in a compromising situation in a nearby bush. The accused fled upon being caught.
A formal complaint was filed at the Akuse Police Station on October 7, 2024. A medical form was issued, and the victim was examined and treated at the Akuse Government Hospital.
Investigations revealed that the accused had admitted to being in a relationship with the minor and engaging in multiple sexual encounters with her, although he denied having sex with her on the day in question.
Presiding Judge Justice Kwesi Appiatse Abaidoo sentenced Azalekor to seven years in prison, stressing that the punishment should serve as a deterrent to others who prey on minors.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
