The Ho-based carpenter, Emmanuel Atta, who was arrested by the police last month for abducting and defiling a 15-year-old girl, pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned at the Ho Circuit Court, on Tuesday.
Police Inspector Agnes Ahiable, prosecuting, told the court presided by Madam Priscilla Dikro that the girl’s father noticed that she was in an amorous relationship with Atta, 21, and warned accused to stay away from his daughter.
The court heard that Atta continued his relationship with the girl, and the girl’s father saw her using a mobile phone, which belonged to the accused, and he seized it.
Insp Ahiable said the girl ransacked his father’s room while he was away, and retrieved the phone.
The court heard that the girl returned the phone to Atta in his house and he kept her overnight.
The prosecution said that the girl’s absence from home prompted her worried father to report to the police that his daughter had gone missing.
Insp Ahiable said the police embarked on a search for the girl and found her with accused.
The court granted Atta bail in the sum of GHȻ 20,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be a government worker earning not less than GHȻ 800 per month.
Hearing continues on April 2.
FROM ALBERTO MARIO NORETTI, HO
