A painter, Alfred Kwabena Bediako Amgba, who allegedly assaulted a physically challenged man in order to snatch his mobile phone, has been put before an Accra Circuit Court charged.

The accused and the victim had both visited the same drinking bar at Nungua and when leaving, Amgba is said to have attacked him.

The victim, whose name was given as 'Old soldier', is currently in a coma at the Police Hospital in Accra.

Charged with causing harm, Amgba has pleaded guilty with explanation.

The court, presided over by Ms Evelyn Asamoah, however, did not hear his explanation and remanded him into Police custody due to the condition of the victim.

The accused is expected to reappear on October 14.

The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Emmanuel Haligah said Ebenezer Donkor, the complainant, is a worker at a washing bay at Spintex and resides at Nungua Ravico.

Chief Inspector Haligah said the accused resided at Nungua C5 while ‘Old Soldier’ resided at Nungua Old barrier.

According to the prosecution the victim is a regular at the Nungua Ravico drinking bar, and on September 27, this year, at about 1:00 am the victim had become intoxicated at the bar.

The prosecution said Amgba was also at the drinking bar that night and attacked 'Old Soldier' in an attempt to snatch his phone.

The accused is alleged to have hit the victim on the head and right jaw with his own crutches.

A nearby street-side vendor is said to have heard Old Soldier's cries for help and rushed to the scene to see “Old Soldier’ lying in a pool of blood.

The accused attempted to board a car to escape but was apprehended in the process.

He was escorted to the Police Station and during a search four ID cards, a pair of earphones and a jackknife were found on his person.

Prosecution said the accused denied ownership of the items but the complainant identified the victim's picture on one of the ID cards.

“The victim is still on admission at the Police Hospital, unconscious,” prosecution said.