The Amasaman Circuit Court has sentenced a mason, Akwasi Obeng, to 48 months’ imprisonment in hard labour for stealing 17 cattle valued at GHC228,000.00.

Obeng, 46, admitted the offence, explaining that he stole the animals, part of the 21 cattle entrusted to his care, because his employer failed to pay an agreed GHC700.00 salary.

He told the court that he acted out of hardship, as he had two children to cater for.

The court, presided over by Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong, also imposed a fine of 500 penalty units (GHC6,000.00), in default of which he would serve an additional 12 months in prison.

It noted that Obeng had no reasonable legal defence and entered a plea of guilty. However, considering his plea for leniency, the retrieval of all the cattle, and his status as a first offender.

It also considered the prevalence of such offences in the area, stressing that the sentence should serve as a deterrent.

Police Chief Inspector Salifu Nashiru told the court that the complainant, Evans Bortsie, a herdsman at Harekreshena and resident of Medie in Accra, hired Obeng as a cattle caretaker in August.

On October 30, Obeng took 21 cattle out to graze but failed to return. The complainant reported the matter to the Adjen Kotoku Police and later managed to recover four of the animals.

Police investigations revealed that Obeng had sold the remaining 17 to a witness for GHC96,000.00, receiving an initial payment of GHC30,000.00 and expecting the balance on November 12.

The buyer, upon discovering the cattle were stolen, tipped off the police and invited Obeng to collect the outstanding amount. Obeng was arrested upon arrival.

In his caution statement, he admitted the offence and said he used part of the proceeds to rent an apartment.

He was subsequently charged and arraigned.