An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced an agricultural engineer to 36 months’ imprisonment with hard labour for defrauding a businessman of GHS150,000 under the pretext of procuring a tipper truck. 

Presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, the court found Abraham Asudam, 43, guilty of defrauding by false pretences, despite his initial not guilty plea.  

The convict had allegedly collected the money from Mr. George Asudam in December 2020, claiming he could secure the vehicle through partners in Belgium. 

In sentencing, the judge considered that Asudam was a first-time offender and had spent time in custody during a deferred sentencing period intended to allow repayment of an outstanding GHS30,000.  

“However, notwithstanding several adjournments to enable the accused person to pay the money, he refused… The court would therefore pass a fairly deterrent sentence on the accused,” the judge ruled. 

The court also ordered restitution of GHS30,000 to the complainant. 

ASP Seth Frimpong, leading prosecution, said the convict had presented fake documents and a payment receipt from a fictitious company, Power Vehicle Innovation, along with a truck chassis number, claiming the vehicle would arrive in a month. 

He later cut communication and attempts to trace him failed until a police report led to his arrest. 

Investigations revealed Asudam was not a licensed vehicle dealer, and all documentation was fabricated.  

The prosecution recovered GHS20,000 from him, which has been retained as evidence.