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The Gender Based Violence Court at the Police Headquarters in Accra has sentenced Ishmael Addo, a 43-year-old chainsaw operator, to 15 years in prison for defiling his 12-year-old stepdaughter.
Addo, who faced two counts of defilement, pleaded guilty to the charges. He admitted to having intercourse with the victim on two occasions.
The court, presided over by Judge Dora Araba Eshun, convicted Addo based on his own plea and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Addo to compensate the victim with GH₵3,600 and cover her medical expenses.
Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei, leading the prosecution, informed the court that the complainant, a trader and the victim’s mother, had left her daughter in Addo’s care while she traveled.
The victim, a class three pupil, confided in a co-tenant about the abuse, which led to the complainant reporting the matter to the police.
The prosecution revealed that Addo had threatened the victim to keep her silent about the abuse. Upon the complainant’s return, the victim confirmed the incidents, leading to Addo’s arrest and subsequent trial.
