Taxi driver assaults station chairman
A 30-year-old taxi driver has been fined GH¢1,200 for hitting his station chairman’s face with a stone.
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Paul Afaniglah had earlier pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢3,000 with two sureties but the court found him guilty after a full trial.
Afaniglah was handed a fine of GH¢1,200 for intentionally causing unlawful harm. If paid, GH¢600 out of the amount will be given to the complainant for medical expenses.
However, if Afaniglah fails to pay the fine, he will serve nine months in prison with hard labour.
Presenting the facts to the court, the prosecutor, Sergeant Salifu Nashiru, said the complainant in the case, Eric Ofosu, was a driver and acting Chairman of the Emmanuel Co-operative Drivers Union of the St John’s Lorry station at Achimota, Accra.
Sgt Nashiru said on April 26, 2015, Afaniglah picked two ladies from the station to the Mile 7 Presbyterian Church at Achimota.
On arrival at their destination, one of the ladies realised she had left her phone in Afaniglah’s taxi.
They quickly rushed back to the station and the other drivers who saw them boarding Afaniglah’s car gave them his mobile phone number.
The prosecutor said several phone calls were made but Afaniglah’s phone was switched off.
Afaniglah did not return to the station until about 12:30 p.m. on April 28, 2015.
Ofosu, who had received a complaint about Afaniglah’s behaviour concerning the missing mobile phone, approached Afaniglah and questioned him about the incident.
Sgt Nashiru said Afaniglah denied seeing any mobile phone in his car and also alleged that just as the ladies alighted from his cab, he picked another lady to her house.
The chairman then requested that Afaniglah should lead him to the lady for enquiries.
The prosecutor said he refused to go with Ofosu and was therefore told he would be sanctioned.
Sgt Nashiru said an exchange of words ensued between Afaniglah and Ofosu and Afaniglah unexpectedly picked up a stone and hit Ofosu in the face resulting in severe injuries.