Two dancers jailed 36 years
Two persons who attacked and robbed a lady at the La Pleasure Beach have been sentenced to a total of 36 years imprisonment by Accra Circuit Court.
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Daniel Armah and Bernard Owusu, who pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and robbery, will spend 18 years each behind bars.
Defence
In their defence, they said they had nothing to do with the robbery and explained that on the day the incident took place, the victim rather ran to them for help after she had been attacked by another person.
The court, presided over by Mr Aboagye Tandoh, however, said the two failed to deny an argument raised by the prosecution that they escorted the police to retrieve the stolen items after they were arrested.
“The prosecution presented evidence beyond reasonable doubt to establish their guilt. I, therefore, find them guilty on both counts,” the presiding judge said.
Mitigation
Before they were sentenced, the convicts prayed the court for leniency, explaining that they were first time offenders.
Passing sentence, however, the judge said although he took their prayer for mitigation into consideration, he considered a sentence which was deterrent enough.
“A signal must be sent about society’s disapproval of robbery, especially the ones at public spaces, to promote order and also allow businesses to thrive,” he said.
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Facts
The prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ms Patience Mario, told the court that Armah and Owusu were dancers who performed at events.
She said on January 6, 2016, the victim, Gloria Adjei, and her friend were returning from the La Pleasure Beach at about 9 p.m. when Armah and Owusu pounced on them and attacked them.
“They succeeded in robbing the victim, after threatening the two ladies with a cutlass,” the prosecutor said
After the robbery, the victim shouted for help and Armah and Owusu were arrested by a security guard and other patrons at the facility after a hot chase.