The Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a mason to 48 months' imprisonment with hard labour for defrauding a businesswoman of GH¢44,800 under the pretext of supplying seven tonnes of iron rods.

Francis Figah Agbey, 39, the convict, took the money from Madam Tina Asamoah but failed to deliver the construction materials as promised.

Agbey, who was initially charged in November 2025, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

However, when he reappeared before the court on Tuesday, September 22, he changed his plea to guilty, explaining that he had not understood the distinction between the various plea options when the charge was first read to him.

The court subsequently reread and explained the charge to him, after which he maintained his guilty plea with an explanation.

The court, however, held that his explanation did not constitute a valid defence and accordingly convicted him.

In sentencing Agbey, the court took into account the fact that he was a first-time offender.

However, it also considered aggravating factors, including his decision to jump bail and abscond in November 2025, which necessitated efforts and public resources to track him down and re-arrest him.

The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Beatrice Achiaa Appiah, told the court, presided over by Ms Susanna Nyakotey, that Madam Asamoah, a businesswoman, was undertaking a building project at Adjen-Kotoku, where Agbey worked.

It said Madam Asamoah needed seven tonnes of iron rods for the project and approached Agbey for assistance.

Agbey assured her that he would consult his steel supplier and procure the materials. On May 6, 2025, he collected GH¢44,800 from her for the purchase of the iron rods.

However, after receiving the money, he disappeared without supplying the items.

The complainant subsequently reported the matter to the police, and investigations led to Agbey's arrest at his hideout.

In his explanation to the court, Agbey claimed that shortly after receiving the money, the complainant informed him that she had been bereaved.

He said after the funeral, he attempted to purchase the iron rods from his usual supplier but was informed that he could not store the materials at the company's premises after purchase.

He further stated that he was unable to find a secure storage facility for the rods and, therefore, decided to keep the money.

Agbey told the court that while the money was in his possession, a friend borrowed GH¢34,800 from him to purchase a certain bottle, promising to repay the amount within a month.

The convict said the friend failed to repay the loan before his arrest.

He said he subsequently refunded GH¢10,000 to the complainant and appealed to the police to grant him time to settle the outstanding balance.