A 40-year-old school teacher accused of defiling a 13 year old class three pupil walked home a free man on Tuesday, December 10, after it emerged the victim in question is actually 17 years.
The Accra Circuit Court presided over by Sedina Agbemava struck out the case against Benoonai Ayensu-Bekoe, after a medical report from the Korle Bu Teaching hospital radiology department proved that the victim’s age had been falsified.
The judge’s argument was that since the age of the victim was the reason why the accused was drag to court, the actual age of the victim renders the case weak.
Ms. Agbemava said a person accused of defilement can be charged only if the victim in question is below 16 years.
Prosecutor ASP Sarah Acquah told the court the complainant, Stephen Pagful, a resident at the Dansoman SSNIT Flats, who happens to be an uncle to the girl took her to the hospital for examination after he detected changes in her movement.
A Medical report subsequently confirmed the girl had been having sex.
The victim then confessed her sexual encounters with Benoonai Ayensu-Bekoe.
The victim's age was reduced when a report was made to the police.
Latest Stories
-
We may all resort to vote buying if electorates prioritise such over development – Asiedu Nketiah
21 mins -
NDF engages mineral extraction communities in advocacy and litigation resolution
25 mins -
Adabraka in community A/R unites to combat electoral violence
33 mins -
Forestry Commission cracks down on endangered bush meat trade
34 mins -
Global GDP could plunge by 24% by 2,100 without urgent climate action
34 mins -
High Court dismisses lecturer’s bid to block Deputy IGP’s appointment
43 mins -
MTN records 35.5% growth in profit to GH¢3.76bn in quarter 3, 2024
1 hour -
Deloitte to hold training on navigating customs and excise duty Obligations
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo, Bawumia should have prioritised National Peace Campaign launch – Mahama
1 hour -
AGI works to clamp down on substandard foreign mattresses penetrating Ghanaian markets
1 hour -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
1 hour -
Ace Medical Insurance makes its mark at Ghana Club 100 Awards
1 hour -
Dafeamekpor takes Speaker to High Court to affirm vacant seats ruling
1 hour -
Government is not funding GMX music streaming platform – Director of Marketing
1 hour -
Energy sector not advancing enough – ACEP
2 hours