A Sekondi District Magistrate's Court on Monday sentenced Andi Laryea, unemployed, to 18 months imprisonment with hard labour for defrauding by false pretences. The accused, who is also known as Andi Quarm pleaded not guilty. Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Eben Darko said on February 1 this year, the accused met Monica Awuzah, a trader, at Tikobo Number Two in the Western Region and introduced himself as a resident of the United States of America. He said the accused told Monica that he was on holiday in the country and was looking for financial assistance to clear his goods at the Takoradi Port. Chief Inspector Darko said Monica gave the accused GH¢1,300.00 and also managed to convince Monica to the Majestic Hotel at Sekondi where “they enjoyed themselves”. He said later that day, the accused went into hiding, but on February 14, Monica had a tip-off, which led to the arrest of the accused at the Takoradi Zenith Hotel Area. Chief Inspector Darko said the accused was handed over to the Police and he admitted the offence during investigations.Source: GNA