Audio By Carbonatix
A former contestant on the reality TV show "Mentor" has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of manslaughter.
Bismark Ato Foster was found guilty after a trial in which prosecutors argued that he was responsible for the death of another individual, Razak Mohammed at Nungua Coco-Beach on September 26, 2016.
The charges against him included murder and the use of an offensive weapon.
Bismark had originally been charged with second-degree murder, but the jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Following deliberations, the jury reached a guilty verdict of manslaughter and the use of an offensive weapon against Foster.
Initially, the jury returned a 6-1 guilty verdict. However, after further deliberations, the jury found Foster guilty.
Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, presiding over the case at Criminal Court '3,' sentenced Foster to life imprisonment, as recommended by the jury.
Additionally, he was given a 25-year sentence for the use of the offensive weapon, both of which will be served concurrently.
Foster's defense counsel made a plea for mitigation, citing his client's first-time offender status and his good conduct throughout the trial.
Furthermore, the defense noted his commitment to attending all court proceedings.
The judge issued the life sentence to Foster, despite defense attorneys emphasising his young age, bright future, and claiming him to be a victim of circumstances.
The prosecution argued that the offense was serious, requiring a life sentence as a deterrent to others, and that the gun had been fired twice, implying intent.
After hearing both parties, Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzu handed down a life sentence.
Meanwhile, Foster's legal team has declared they will launch an appeal against the conviction and sentence.
Latest Stories
-
Sales boy captured on CCTV cameras stealing, jailed 36 months
27 minutes -
‘Life moves fast; make every day count’ — Prof Ofori-Dankwa advises youth
47 minutes -
Veteran Nollywood actor, Kola Oyewo dies
1 hour -
FIFA defends attendance figure amidst empty seats
2 hours -
US-based Professor Joseph Ofori-Dankwa credits Ghana’s education system for his global success
3 hours -
Gov’t unveils transition measures for new legal education system
3 hours -
Keta government hospital at 100: Preserving a century of service, protecting a legacy for future generations
3 hours -
Okyenhene lauds Garden City University leadership, urges focus on education and human capital
3 hours -
Morning Glory Montessori launches 30th anniversary celebration with year-long programme
3 hours -
USA thrash Paraguay 4-1 in Group D opener
3 hours -
GES summons teacher unions for emergency talks over controversial staff data collection exercise
4 hours -
Award schemes and matters arising : The great Ghanaian illusion we have condoned for generations
4 hours -
University of Ghana Vice-Chancellor urges inclusion of African languages in AI development
4 hours -
Warner Bros $111bn sale to Paramount approved by US Justice Department
4 hours -
Hajia Adama Musah, mother of former NPA CEO Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, passes away
4 hours