An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced 27-year-old porter Alex Abubakari to 15 years in prison for robbing a Togolese trader, Kofi Ametepe.

Abubakari pleaded guilty to charges of causing harm and robbery after he smashed Ametepe’s head with a pavement block before stealing from him.

During police interrogation, Abubakari explained that he committed the crime due to extreme hunger.

The court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, took into account Abubakari’s age and his guilty plea when determining his sentence.

On the charge of causing harm, Abubakari was sentenced to one year in prison, while the robbery charge earned him a 15-year sentence, both to be served concurrently with hard labor.

The court also ordered that any stolen items recovered from Abubakari be returned to the victim.

The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer disclosed that Abubakari was a squatter at Afua Sutherland Park.

On the evening of October 26, at around 2030 hours, Ametepe was sitting at the Bank of Africa Recreational Garden near the Octagon building in Kinbu, Accra.

The prosecution stated that Abubakari, with intent to steal, approached Ametepe from behind and, without provocation, struck him on the head with a pavement block.

Ametepe fell unconscious from the blow.

Abubakari then stole Ametepe’s Infinix Hot 50i mobile phone, valued at GH¢1,700, along with his backpack containing other personal items.

A witness who observed the attack raised an alarm, prompting security personnel at the Octagon building, near Accra City Hotel, to apprehend Abubakari.

They retrieved the stolen items and handed them over to the authorities.

The court heard that Ametepe who bled profusely, was rushed to Ridge Hospital where he was admitted.

The prosecution said the Police also issued a medical form to Ametepe who sustained injuries to his head.

A medical report was submitted on Ametepe after he was examined and treated.

In Abubakari’s investigation caution statement, he admitted the offence and explained that he committed the offence because of hunger.