The Adentan Magistrates Court in the Greater Accra Region has handed down a three-month prison sentence to a 35-year-old mason, Etornam Kojo Biekro, for stealing iron rods valued at GH¢23,000. Biekro, who pleaded guilty to one count of stealing, had requested the court to grant him time to pay for the cost of the iron rods, but the court, presided over by Ms Nancy Adadey, ordered him to serve the jail term and pay the cost of the iron rods upon release.
According to Chief Inspector Ebenezer Addo, the prosecuting officer, the complainant, Stephen Senayo, is an accountant and a resident of Kasoa in the Central Region, while Biekro is a mason and a resident of Ablor-Adjei in Accra.
The court heard that in November 2022, the complainant purchased iron rods worth GH¢23,000 for his building project at Ablor-Adjei. The complainant kept the materials in the uncompleted building, under the care of Biekro, who was his employee, for safekeeping.
However, when the complainant visited the building site, he realized that all the iron rods were stolen. Upon questioning, Biekro claimed he had used the iron rods for another client’s project and promised to refund the complainant, but failed to honor his promise.
The complainant reported the case at the Akporman Police Post, leading to Biekro’s arrest. During the investigation, Biekro admitted to the offence and pleaded with the complainant to allow him to refund the stolen iron rods, but failed to do so.
The prosecution told the court that Biekro was released on police enquiry bail but failed to produce the iron rods on the agreed date and was re-arrested on July 31.
The court heard that Biekro’s actions caused the complainant significant financial loss and inconvenience, and that his failure to refund the stolen iron rods despite his promise to do so, showed a lack of remorse.
In delivering her judgment, Ms Nancy Adadey said the court took into account Biekro’s guilty plea and his promise to refund the stolen iron rods, but noted that his failure to do so warranted a custodial sentence.
Biekro was therefore sentenced to three months in prison and ordered to pay the cost of the iron rods upon release. The court’s decision serves as a warning to others who engage in such criminal activities.
The case highlights the importance of trust and accountability in business relationships, and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions.
