The 22-year-old man accused of murdering a businesswoman at Apaaso near Sokoban in the Ashanti Region, has been convicted by court for stealing GH¢167,660.09.
The Asokwa Circuit Court presided over by, Justice Vida Achiaa Yeboah, deferred the case to Friday, October 6, 2023, for sentencing of accused, John Alister.
Alister, who appeared before the court on Monday, has pleaded guilty to two counts of stealing, and prayed the court to have mercy upon him.
He said “I am guilty of all the charges levelled against me, but I plead with the court for leniency,” shortly after his plea was taken.
Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Ofori, said accused was employed as a receptionist at a hotel Bantama, in Kumasi, in 2022.
The court heard that after a month, the suspect abandoned post but returned in July and was pardoned and allowed to start work due to his previous working relationship with his employer.
ASP Ofori said the complainant asked accused to install settings on her Infinix Note 8 mobile phone, but he (accused) bolted with the phone.
The prosecution said Alister withdrew GH¢167,660.09 from the complainant’s ABSA Bank account, using a mobile app.
ASP Ofori said official complaint was made to the police, leading to the arrest of accused from his hideout in Accra.
The prosecution said Alister admitted to committing the crime in police caution statement.
ASP Ofori prayed the court to give accused a stiffer punishment because he has as “questionable character” as he was facing another case of murder following the death of Kumasi businesswoman, Stella Osei.
Alister is expected to make a second appearance at the Asokore Mampong District Court on October today, where he faces provisional charge of murder, for allegedly stabbing Ms Stella Osei to death.
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI
