A devastating case of child defilement has led to the sentencing of Stephen Otu, a 32-year-old tiler, to 22 years imprisonment with hard labor. Otu, popularly known as Atta, pleaded guilty to the charges and begged for mercy, but the court found him guilty and handed down the sentence as a deterrent to others ¹.

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According to Chief Inspector of Police Abraham Ayitey, the prosecution told the court that the victim, a 12-year-old primary six student, was defiled by Otu in Wassa Akropong township. The convict had asked the victim her age, and despite knowing she was only 12, he lured her into his room, assaulted her sexually, and gave her GH¢20.00 after the act.

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The court heard that Otu took advantage of the victim on three separate occasions, resulting in her pregnancy. The victim's mother discovered her pregnancy on November 24, 2024, and the victim revealed that Otu was responsible. A report was made to the police, and a medical examination confirmed that the victim was two months pregnant.

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The court, presided over by Hathia Ama Manu, sentenced Otu to 22 years imprisonment with hard labor, emphasizing that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who might engage in similar acts.

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