A 48-year-old mason who attempted to burn his family and property at Tanoso, in the Kwadaso Municipality, has been remanded in prison custody by the Asante Akropong Circuit Court.
Robert Benjamin Okyere pleaded not guilty to causing harm and damage and is set to reappear before the court, presided over by Nana Adwoa Serwaa Dua-Adonteng, on November 7.
Police Chief Inspector Ruth Gborson, prosecuting, told the court that the complainant, Agnes Obour, a tailor at Tanoso, was Okyere’s girlfriend.
She stated that sometime in 2023, the complainant asked Okyere for money to rent a room for their two grown-up children, as they could no longer share a single room with them.
Okyere refused, and as a result, his girlfriend denied him sex.
He subsequently moved out to live with another woman in Asuoyeboa, a nearby community.
The prosecution stated that on September 28 of this year, the complainant approached Okyere to request money for the children’s upkeep, but he became angry and assaulted her, calling her “a senseless, stupid, dirty, and foolish woman.”
Chief Inspector Gborson said a report was made to the Abuakwa police, but when the accused was invited, he refused to respond and instead went into hiding.
The prosecution added that on October 5 of this year, at about 10:00 p.m., the complainant was in her room praying when she noticed the smell of petrol and smoke.
She looked out the back window and saw the accused setting the room on fire.
Chief Inspector Gborson stated that the complainant quickly alerted the children, and they escaped, though they sustained some injuries in the process.
They were taken to the Abuakwa Government Hospital for treatment.
A report was made to the police, and the accused was subsequently arrested.
The prosecution added that while the accused denied the charges in his caution statement, he was charged after investigations and brought before the court.
ALSO READ: