An 18-year old school drop-out, Bernard Quaye, has began a 21-month jail term for being unable to pay fine of GH¢180 imposed on him by a Tarkwa Circuit Court for stealing and causing unlawful damage.
He pleaded guilty.
Prosecuting, Police Detective Chief Inspector Oscar Amponsah, has earlier told the court presided over by Mr Samuel Obeng Diawuo that on December 20, last year, at about 2300 hours, the complainant Kennedy Cofie was sleeping in his room when the accused secretly opened his window with a kitchen knife and cut the window net in an attempt to enter the room.
The prosecutor said an eye witness in the case, who lives near to the complainant, spotted the suspect in the act and in an attempt to arrest him, a scuffle broke out which drew other neighbours attention who came out to assist in arresting Quaye.
The presiding judge, Mr Diawuo, said he took into consideration the fact that Quaye is young person and being a first offender, sentenced him to a fine of GH¢180 or in default 21 months imprisonment in hard labour.
The court also bonded him to be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months or in default, another nine months with hard labour.
The accused is also to pay GH¢90 to the complainant to repair the damaged window.