The Amasaman Circuit Court has sentenced a 32-year-old mason, Senyo Awuku, to three years in prison with hard labor for causing irreparable damage to a Donfeng Ex-Box car valued at $35,900, belonging to Hisense Company Limited.
Awuku pleaded guilty to causing unlawful damage to the vehicle and was sentenced accordingly.
However, he denied charges of unlawful entry and stealing an HP laptop worth GH₵4,300 and cash amounting to GH₵4,000 from the residence of Gad Ebenezer Afranie Kisi, a Customer Service Officer at Hisense.
The court, presided over by Ms. Enid Marful-Sau, adjourned proceedings on the outstanding charges and ordered Awuku to reappear on March 13, 2025.
Case Details
Police Chief Inspector Salifu Nashiru told the court that the complainant, who resides at Danchira Ocloo Farms, returned home from work on January 30, 2025, and parked his official Donfeng Ex-Box car, with registration number GT 4955-24, in his compound.
He left his car key, laptop, and GH₵4,000 cash on a table in his room before going to bed.
The following morning, at around 5:00 a.m., he woke up to find that his car and other valuables had been stolen. He reported the matter to the Danchira Police and later circulated photos of the missing vehicle on social media.
On February 1, 2025, a friend of the complainant spotted the stolen car at Amasaman Three Junction and alerted him. Upon reaching the location, the complainant saw Awuku in the vehicle. However, Awuku attempted to flee by speeding off.
A hot chase ensued, during which Awuku lost control of the car and crashed into a container at Ademan, causing extensive damage to the vehicle. He abandoned the car and tried to escape on foot but was apprehended by bystanders and handed over to the police.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the trial, Awuku pleaded for leniency, expressing regret for his actions. However, the prosecution urged the court to consider the severity of the damage caused to the vehicle, which was deemed beyond repair.
The court, taking into account both the plea for mitigation and the extent of damage, sentenced Awuku to three years in prison. Additionally, it ordered the return of the stolen vehicle and laptop to the complainant.
Awuku will return to court next month to face the remaining charges of unlawful entry and theft.
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