A 24-year-old man, David Boateng, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison by an Accra Circuit Court for stealing a laptop from an artist who had offered him a place to sleep. The HP-branded laptop, valued at GH¢3,500, was stolen from Evans Kotey Djanie, an artist residing in Teshie First Junction.
Boateng was charged with stealing and pleaded guilty. The court, presided over by Mrs. Susan Eduful, convicted him based on his plea.
Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, leading the prosecution, informed the court that on May 5, 2024, at around 2:00 pm, Djanie was having voice training at the Teshie Roman area when Boateng approached him. Boateng claimed to have come from Koforidua to Accra for work but had no place to sleep and sought help.
Djanie took Boateng home, left him in his room, and returned to his training. When Djanie came back around 3:30 am, he discovered that Boateng had stolen his laptop.
On May 19, 2024, at about 8:00 pm, Boateng returned to Teshie and encountered Djanie near the Teshie Police Station, demanding money from him, unaware that Djanie was the same person he had stolen the laptop from.
Djanie recognized Boateng and tricked him into following him to a Momo vendor for money. On the way, Boateng realized who Djanie was and attempted to flee. Djanie shouted for help, leading to Boateng’s capture and escort to the police station.
In his caution statement, Boateng admitted to the theft and led the police to Ashaiman, where the laptop was retrieved.
