STUDENT, 19, FOR STRAYING INTO PRESIDENTIAL LODGE (PAGE 34)

From Samuel Duodu, Sunyani

A 19-year-old student who strayed into the presidential lodge at the Residency in Sunyani (Brong Ahafo Regional Minister’s official residence) has been sentenced to a fine of Gh¢360 or in default serve one year imprisonment in hard labour.
The student, David Andani, whose school was not mentioned in court, pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful entry and was subsequently sentenced on his own plea by the Sunyani Magistrate’s Court ‘B’ presided over by Mr Albert Zoogah.
Passing judgment, Mr Zoogah said he considered the student’s age and the fact that he was a first offender.
The facts of the case as presented in court by Sergeant Augustine Oppong were that the complainant is a steward supervisor at the presidential lodge at the residency in Sunyani, while the convict is a student.
On June 4, 2008 about 6.30 a.m the complainant reported for duty at the residency and when he opened the main door to the hall of the presidential lodge he saw the convict comfortably seated.
Sergeant Oppong told the court that when the complainant questioned the student as to how he entered the hall he could not give any tangible excuse or reason.
He said the student was, therefore, arrested and handed over to the police and after investigations he was charged with the offence and subsequently arraigned.